Recently retired Congressman John J. LaFalce was honored with the Gold Good Citizenship Medal and Certificate by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) at a joint meeting of the Buffalo and Rochester Chapter held in Batavia on April 10. LaFalce was recognized for his long and faithful service to his constituents as well as for his leadership in Congress regarding matters of national finance. The Gold Good Citizenship Medal is the highest award that can be presented to any person who is not a member of the SAR, and the award may be presented only once to any individual. Rochester Chapter President Stephan Clarke, this year's host for the joint meeting, introduced the Congressman. State Society President Bill Woodworth presented the medal and certificate on behalf of the Empire State Society, SAR. As a surprise for the Congressman, Hanny Heyen, his district representative in the Spencerport office for many years, pinned the medal to his lapel. Following the presentation, Congressman LaFalce's remarks to the group emphasized how important his concept of good citizenship has been during his career, tying his remarks into earlier comments made about the contributions of recent immigrants, even during the Revolutionary War. Also honored at the dinner was Mrs. Jeanne B. Frey, a member of the Col. William Prescott Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Newark, NY, who was recognized for her ongoing support for and help with many SAR functions. Mrs. Frey was recognized with the SAR Medal of Appreciation. SAR and DAR membership is available, respectively, to any man or woman who can prove descent from any person who is known to have helped achieve independence for the United States by serving in some capacity to advance the cause of liberty. For information about SAR or DAR membership in the Rochester area, contact Rochester Society President Stephan Clarke at 148 Greenway Boulevard, Churchville, NY 14428. |
