Schumer calls for creation of ‘Tony Bennett Day’
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Senator Chuck Schumer announced on Sunday that he will introduce a resolution to make Aug. 3, “Tony Bennett Day” in honor of the Queens-born singer. Senator Charles Schumer/Twitter
By Ryan Schwach
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer announced on Sunday he is introducing a resolution to honor a Queens legend.
Schumer, a Brooklyn native, announced this week that he intends to introduce a resolution who dub Aug. 3 “Tony Bennett Day,” in honor of the Queens-born singer who died last week.
Bennet would have turned 97 years old this upcoming Aug. 3.
“Tony Bennett personified the American dream and the ‘Greatest Generation,” Schumer said at a Central Park bench dedicated to the singer. “Here is a man who sang about his heart while his soul was always here in New York. And there is something about those of us lucky enough to be born in Queens: whatever we do, wherever we go, we give it our all.”
“We are collectively known for this sort of aura, and Tony was no exception,” Schumer added. “The King of Croon is beloved from coast-to-coast, his reach spanned genres and generations — but he is, and he will always be, a New Yorker who did so much good.”
Schumer will bring the resolution to the Senate floor, and says that former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi would do the same thing in the House of Representatives.
Bennett was born in Astoria in 1926. On top of being the winner of over 20 Grammy Awards, he was known for his humanitarian work and his infantry service in World War II. He passed away on Friday after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
His signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," was released in 1962 and became a worldwide hit.
Bennett continued to record and perform throughout his life, and his later albums, such as "Duets: An American Classic" (2006) and "Cheek to Cheek" (2014), were both commercial and critical successes. He was also a talented painter and had exhibited his work in galleries around the world. He had also supported many causes, including civil rights and Alzheimer's disease research, Schumer said.
Bennett was also fond of sitting in one particular Central Park bench, where Schumer made his announcement.
“So, here at Tony’s favorite Central Park bench, I can say that the Senate and the House will honor Tony Bennett with a formal Resolution declaring his upcoming birthday, Aug. 3, as ‘Tony Bennett Day’ across the country. Not only has Tony earned the commemoration, but he makes us all proud to be Americans,” Schumer said.
