Senate Resolution No. 1154
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
CONGRATULATING Bohdan Balaban, Al Colbran, and
Hugh Flynn upon the occasion of being named Grand
Marshals of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson
Summerfest celebration, and recognizing their
distinguished service during the Korean War
WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Forces of the United States, who have
served faithfully and courageously in times of war and peace, are
deserving of the highest commendation and recognition from the people of
this great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate
Bohdan Balaban, Al Colbran, and Hugh Flynn upon the occasion of their
designation as Grand Marshals of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson
Summerfest celebration in recognition of their service during the Korean
War conflict; and
WHEREAS, The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when communist North
Korea launched an invasion of the Republic of Korea with approximately
135,000 troops, threatening the sovereignty and stability of the Korean
Peninsula; and
WHEREAS, In response to this unprovoked aggression, on June 27,
1950, President Harry S. Truman ordered the Armed Forces of the United
States to aid the Republic of Korea in its defense, in concert with the
forces of the United Nations and allied nations; and
WHEREAS, During the course of the Korean War, approximately
1,789,000 members of the United States Armed Forces served in theater,
alongside soldiers from the Republic of Korea and 20 other allied
nations, to defend democracy, uphold international law, and counter
military aggression; and
WHEREAS, The cost of this courageous service was great: 54,246
members of the United States Armed Forces lost their lives, including
33,739 in battle; over 103,000 were wounded, and more than 8,000 were
reported missing in action or as prisoners of war; and
WHEREAS, Despite the cessation of active hostilities marked by the
armistice signed at Panmunjom on July 27, 1953, the Korean Peninsula
remains technically in a state of war, a reminder of the enduring
sacrifices made by those who served; and
WHEREAS, The Korean War Veterans Recognition Act, signed into law on
July 27, 2009, ensures that the honorable service and noble sacrifice of
Korean War veterans will forever be remembered and honored by our
grateful nation; and
WHEREAS, In the 75 years since the onset of the Korean War, the
Republic of Korea has emerged from the devastation of war into a
thriving democracy and global economic power, and remains a steadfast
ally of the United States, bound by shared sacrifice and common purpose;
and
WHEREAS, Bohdan Balaban, Al Colbran, and Hugh Flynn, in being named
Grand Marshals of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson Summerfest, serve as
living symbols of courage, duty, and the enduring legacy of the Korean
War generation; and
WHEREAS, These remarkable veterans exemplify the highest ideals of
patriotism and service, and their leadership, valor, and unwavering
commitment to freedom stand as an inspiration to all Americans; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize and congratulate Bohdan Balaban, Al Colbran, and Hugh Flynn
upon the occasion of their designation as Grand Marshals of the Village
of Croton-on-Hudson Summerfest celebration, and to extend to them the
heartfelt appreciation and admiration of the people of the State of New
York for their honorable and distinguished service to our Nation; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Bohdan Balaban, Al Colbran, and Hugh Flynn.
