Senate Resolution No. 978
BY: Senator TEDISCO
COMMENDING the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161
upon the occasion of hosting its 56th Annual Flag
Day Parade on June 14, 2025
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
organizations that embrace the historical significance and contributions
of their localities which strengthens the fabric of the communities of
New York State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the
Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161 upon the occasion of hosting its 56th
Annual Flag Day Parade on Thursday, June 14, 2025, in the City of
Saratoga Springs; and
WHEREAS, The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and their many
lodges throughout the Nation are places where neighbors come together,
families share meals, and children grow up; and
WHEREAS, The Elks have been steadfast in their mission to inculcate
the principles of charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity; to
recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the
happiness of its members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism;
to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal
organization, and to provide for its government; and
WHEREAS, Prompted by an Elk's tradition, President Harry Truman,
himself a member of the Elks, made the proclamation that June 14 would
be designated as Flag Day, a day of national observance for the symbol
of our country in the year 1949; and
WHEREAS, Each year, spectators find plenty of entertainment for all
ages at the Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161 Flag Day Parade, with
high school and local bands, pipe bands, musical singing groups, Girl
and Boy Scout Troops, youth sports groups, local and military
organizations, riders on horseback, pony-drawn carriages, and numerous
large trucks and military entries; and
WHEREAS, The Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161 is a valuable
resource to residents in Saratoga County equipped with a wonderful hall
(Colonial Hall), a patio, gazebo, yard overlooking a small lake, and
four bowling lanes; and
WHEREAS, Under the current leadership of Exalted Ruler Kathy
Jackson, the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161 continues to have a
positive impact on the local community as a non-profit fraternal
organization dedicated to community service, veterans service, youth
activities, and scholarship programs; and
WHEREAS, This year, 100-Year-Old World War II Veteran Manuel "Manny"
Ballestero, has been selected as the 2025 Flag Day Parade Grand Marshal;
and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend cultural events which symbolize the historical, social, and
cultural development of this great State and embody the spirit of the
principles upon which this Nation was founded; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161 upon the occasion of
hosting its 56th Annual Flag Day Parade on June 14, 2025; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the hierarchy of the Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161,
and Grand Marshal Manuel "Manny" Ballestero.
