Title
Honoring and recognizing the life and legacy of Alexander R. Horanzy for his heroic service and impact on Philadelphia and the United States of America.
Body
WHEREAS, The late Alexander R. Horanzy was born on April 22, 1922 and raised in Manayunk with six siblings; and
WHEREAS, On July 13, 1939, at the age of 17, Mr. Horanzy enlisted in the United States Army and was shipped to Oahu, Hawaii and was assigned to the 19th Infantry and later to the 24th Infantry at the Schofield Barracks; and
WHEREAS, On December 7, 1941, at 7:40 AM, Imperial Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. The 24th Infantry Division was the first Army unit to fight back, successfully taking down five Japanese fighter planes; and
WHEREAS, Over his years of service and sacrifice to the United States of America, Mr. Horanzy was awarded the American Defense Service Medal with a Bronze Star, the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with two Bronze Stars and the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Horanzy was honorably discharged from the United States Army with the rank of Private on July 14, 1945; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Horanzy worked for the Department of the Army in security and for the Department of Defense as a qualified assurance specialist, before retiring at the age of 55; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Horanzy was the President of the December 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Association in Pennsylvania and founded the Philadelphia chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, of which he was the group’s last surviving member; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Horanzy married Katherine S. Long and raised his family in Holme Circle. He is survived by his cherished children, Sandra, Nancy and Joseph, seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; and now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby honors and recognizes the life and legacy of Alexander R. Horanzy for his towering achievements of service and sacrifice and for being a true American hero; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Alexander R. Horanzy, as further evidence of the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
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