Assembly Resolution No. 631
BY: M. of A. Seawright
COMMEMORATING the Centennial of WWI, and
celebration of York Avenue on Manhattan's East Side,
named after Sergeant Alvin York in 1928, one of the
most decorated United States Army soldiers of WWI
WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this Nation, and the
great State of New York, is reflective of the purposeful lives and good
works of those patriotic community members who dedicate their lives to
the service of others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the
centennial of WWI, and celebration of York Avenue on Manhattan's East
Side, named after Sergeant Alvin York, one of the most decorated United
States Army soldiers of WWI; and
WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, ESWWICC, composed of
Manhattan's East Side residents, institutions, and local businesses
honors and commemorates the heroism and service of the soldiers and
civilians, New Yorkers and other Americans, who upheld the American
cause in World War I; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, through community events, education and
reflection, ESWWICC is dedicated to paying tribute to the heroism and
service of the soldiers and civilians, New Yorkers and other Americans,
and to encouraging reflection on the human legacy of the war such as
what lessons it holds for today; and
WHEREAS, A medal was commissioned by the East Side WWI Centennial
Commemoration (ESWWICC), now known as the "Sergeant Alvin York East Side
WWI Centennial Commemoration Medal", designed by internationally
acclaimed master coin and medal designer Joel Iskowitz, that depicts on
its obverse a central feature of the portrait of WWI hero and medal of
honor recipient Sergeant York, namesake of Manhattan's East Side's York
Avenue, with a salute to all New Yorkers who served in WWI, and on its
reverse, with its central motif of "Victory bathed in the glow of
enlightenment," the ESWWICC recognizes women's service in WWI together
with that era's extraordinary women's social movements including the
suffragists; and
WHEREAS, The ESWWICC and its members including: Co-Chairs Assembly
Member Rebecca Seawright and Howard Teich, the Office of Manhattan
Borough President Gale Brewer, Cantori New York, Carnegie Council for
Ethics in International Affairs, Knickerbocker Greys, Kramer, Dillof,
Livingston & Moore, Logos Bookstore, Lycee francais de New York and
Cadets Lafayette, Mansion Restaurant, Mount Vernon Hotel Museum &
Garden, NY-Presbyterian, Weill Cornell Medicine, Park Avenue Armory,
Rockefeller University, Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at
Hunter College, Sergeant York Patriotic Foundation, Society of
Illustrators, Squadron A Association, Veterans of the Seventh Regiment,
Webster Library, Frank Basile, George Cates, and Joel Iskowitz have
contributed to the successful year-long commemoration of WWI and the
observance of the East Side celebration of York Avenue; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
dedicated to preserving the memory of those who have served in times of
active conflict, as well as those who have served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans and their families, including
Manhattan's East Side, deserve to be recognized for significant
contributions to the war effort and thanked by the people of the State
of New York for their service and for their dedication to their
communities, their State and their Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Centennial of WWI, and celebration of York Avenue on
Manhattan's East Side, named after Sergeant Alvin York in 1928, one of
the most decorated United States Army soldiers of WWI; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to each member of the East Side World War I Centennial
Commemoration Committee, and the families of Manhattan's East Side
heroes and heroines.
