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IN RECOGNITION OF THE KNICKERBOCKER GREYS
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HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY
of new york
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to The Knickerbocker Greys (``The Greys'') for their commitment in supporting children across New York City. Through their afterschool program, The Greys have instilled our nation's youth with the values of leadership, responsibility, and citizenship.
The Greys are a 501(c)(3) charity and the oldest after-school program in the history of the United States. The organization is an institution within New York City, serving children ages 6 to 16. Cadets are afforded opportunities over the years to develop their character, confidence, perseverance, social skills, and problem solving in a fun and unique way.
The Greys were founded in 1881 and incorporated in 1897 in the State of New York by Mrs. Augusta Curtis, who began the organization in response to a lack of after-school programming. Mrs. Curtis wanted to encourage activity for her son and his peers. A year into the program, Mrs. Curtis formed the Board of Knickerbocker Greys, composed originally of fourteen mothers. To this day, the Greys are run by a board of parents who are responsible for everything concerning the program outside of the weekly classes and events. The current board members are Adrienne C. Rogatnick (President), Oscar Ancajima (Vice President), Charles Giovanni Vanzan Coutinho (Secretary), John G. Philips (Treasurer), and Stephanie Tomlin (President Emeritus).
Today, along with the Board, the Corps of Cadets' daily operations are run by Colonel David J. Menegon Commandant USAR (ret.) and Colonel Thomas F. Pike, Jr. USA Assistant Commandant, and the current Cadet Colonel. The organization is run entirely by volunteers who are dedicated to enriching the lives of New York school children.
The group's name was derived from the original uniform's knee-length pants that were known as ``knickerbockers,'' and the color of the dress uniform, ``Cadet Grey.'' Over 4,500 New Yorkers have been members of the Knickerbocker Greys Cadet Corps over the past 141 years, including Nelson and David Rockefeller; Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.; Pierpont Morgan Hamilton; Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr.; John Lindsay; Averell Harriman; and Lowell Thomas.
The Greys have shown their commitment to New York City's children from all backgrounds, and pride themselves on being representative of the city's BIPOC communities, inclusive of children with disabilities, and accommodating of those with financial need. Cadets today receive leadership training and are given leadership opportunities as squad leaders, company commanders, and staff officers. Cadets develop skills to motivate others, practice empathy and patience, supervise junior cadets, and command a group of peers.
Cadets undergo a series of experiences over the years that foster confidence, character, etiquette and social skills, perseverance, enthusiasm, public speaking, and leadership. The focus of each weekly meeting is to instill in each child a sense of self-discipline, compassion, and orderliness. Members of the Greys also engage in a variety of activities including field trips to historical sites, color guards, veteran parades, and community events.
Today, the Greys are a part of living history and still proudly drill at the landmarked Park Avenue Seventh Regiment Armory (``The Park Avenue Armory''), as they have since 1902. Boys and girls from a diverse list of independent, magnet, parochial, and public schools located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx and even Westchester County have been strengthened by their participation in the Grey's programming for decades and have emerged as young leaders throughout our nation.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing The Knickerbocker Greys for its 141 years of service to New York City's most cherished, our children.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 168(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 168(2)
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