07 LC 14
9667
Senate
Resolution 359
By:
Senators Johnson of the 1st, Thomas of the 2nd and Hill of the 4th
A
RESOLUTION
Recognizing
and honoring the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, Chairman James "Jay" Burke
III, the 2007 St. Patrick's Day Parade's Grand Marshal John Burke; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS,
the 2007 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah will mark the 183rd occasion on
which this festive event has been held in this historic city with proud Irish
roots; and
WHEREAS,
this celebration was begun by the Hibernian Society of Savannah, which was
formed to aid the early Irish immigrants to Georgia; and
WHEREAS,
many Irish organizations have contributed to the longevity and success of this
celebration, and the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, which was formed in
1926, has carried on the tradition for the past 81 years; and
WHEREAS,
according to one of Ireland's former prime ministers, "Ireland is where strange
tales begin and happy endings are possible," and the same holds true for the
beautiful City of Savannah; and
WHEREAS,
this historic annual parade is the 2nd largest Irish celebration in the nation,
attracting more than 300,000 visitors each year, and it is held in the lovely
historic district and is always a joyous and meaningful occasion for the
citizens of Savannah, Chatham County, and the State of Georgia; and
WHEREAS,
the 2007 St. Patrick's Day Parade's Grand Marshal John Burke, a United States
Marine from Savannah, Georgia, is the son of John J. Burke, who was born in
County Galway, Ireland; and
WHEREAS,
the 2007 St. Patrick's Day Parade's Grand Marshal John Burke, has served on the
Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee for more than 20 years, is the
former president of the Irish Heritage Society, and a member of the Friendly
Sons of St. Patrick; and
WHEREAS,
John Burke's columns have appeared in the
Savannah Morning
News for more than 45 years covering
hunting, fishing, and the outdoors.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that this body recognizes and honors the
members of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, Chairman James "Jay" Burke
III, and the 2007 St. Patrick's Day Parade's Grand Marshal John Burke for their
tireless efforts in organizing and their great work on behalf of the 2007 St.
Patrick's Day Parade and their many important contributions to their community
and state.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to transmit appropriate copies of this resolution to the St. Patrick's Day
Parade Committee Chairman James "Jay" Burke III and to the Grand Marshal of
Savannah's 2007 St. Patrick's Day Parade John Burke.