LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim May 2009, as Polish American Heritage Month in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which
comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community
of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in keeping with its time-ho-
nored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to applaud
and commemorate events which foster ethnic pride and exemplify the
cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the fabric of the
people and the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Polish American Heritage Month affirms the culture, identity
and self-esteem of a people; it celebrates a rich heritage and illumi-
nates Polish history and tradition, as well as the spirit of an indom-
itable people; and
WHEREAS, The people of this great State and Nation and Poland enjoy a
deep and abiding relationship which is rooted in centuries-old ties of
kinship and culture, and in common devotion to liberty and democratic
government; and
WHEREAS, Approximately one million Polish Americans in New York State
proudly trace their roots to Poland; even before America became a
Nation, Poles came to these shores in search of liberty and opportunity;
courageous Poles such as Thaddeus Kosciuszko and Casimir Pulaski became
heroes of the Revolutionary War; and
WHEREAS, Poland's Constitution of May 3, 1791, is second in history
only to our own United States Constitution; both stand as symbols of
patriotism and resolve and express the same shared hopes for freedom and
self-determination; on March 12, 1999, when Poland formally joined the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), it symbolized Poland's return
to the center of European civilization and its renewed commitment to
democratic values; and
WHEREAS, From Maximilian Mary Kolbe and countless other martyrs who
died in the name of freedom, from the small garrison at Westerplatte
(the Jewish ghettos of Warsaw) and the docks of the Gdansk shipyards,
Poland has given the world many powerful examples of courage and faith;
and
WHEREAS, The beautiful land of Poland has also given the world the
scientific genius of Copernicus, and the artistry of Paderewski and
Chopin; and
WHEREAS, Polish American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the
aspirations and values that have been shared with Poles for generations
and to recognize the countless contributions of Americans and New York-
ers of Polish descent to every aspect of society; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York is greatly enriched by one of the larg-
est populations of citizens of Polish ancestry in the Nation; Polish
American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize the signif-
icance of their contributions to the quality and character of life, and,
through many events and activities throughout the month, for all people
to gain a greater appreciation of Polish history and traditions, and of
the role Polish Americans have played, and will continue to play, in our
society; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim May 2009, as Polish
American Heritage Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.