Commending the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161 upon the occasion of hosting its 57th Annual Flag Day Parade on June 13, 2026

Assembly Resolution No. 1290

BY: M. of A. Woerner

        COMMENDING  the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161
        upon the occasion of hosting its  57th  Annual  Flag
        Day Parade on June 13, 2026

  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 57th
Annual  Flag  Day  Parade  on  Saturday,  June  13, 2026, 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  Patricia  D.
Gross,  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, longtime Elks Lodge Member and Navy Veteran Bill
Milby, has been selected as the 2026 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  57th  Annual  Flag  Day Parade on June 13, 2026; 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 Bill Milby.