J 1154: 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

 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.