08 LC 95
0582
Senate
Resolution 1080
By:
Senators Johnson of the 1st and Thomas of the 2nd
A
RESOLUTION
Recognizing
and honoring the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, Chairman John P. Forbes,
and the 2008 St. Patrick's Day Parade's Grand Marshal Dr. Francis Patrick
Rossiter, Jr.; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
the 2008 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah will mark the 184th 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 82 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 2008 St. Patrick's Day Parade's Grand Marshal Dr. Francis Patrick Rossiter,
Jr., has served his country, his community, and the St. Patrick's Day Parade
Committee for many years; and
WHEREAS,
Dr. Rossiter, Jr., is continuing the Irish tradition that began when his
great-grandfather came to Savannah from Ireland in 1850, and the Rossiter family
has proudly called Savannah home ever since; and
WHEREAS,
Dr. Rossiter, Jr., is following in the footsteps of his father, Frank Rossiter,
Sr., who was the Grand Marshal in 1972.
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 John P. Forbes, and
the 2008 St. Patrick's Day Parade's Grand Marshal Dr. Francis Patrick Rossiter,
Jr., for their tireless efforts in organizing and their great work on behalf of
the 2008 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 John P. Forbes and to the Grand Marshal of Savannah's
2008 St. Patrick's Day Parade Dr. Francis Patrick Rossiter, Jr.