LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim September 12-13, 2009, as Heritage Weekend in the State of New
York, and September 7-13, 2009, as Heritage Week 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor
David A. Paterson to proclaim September 12-13, 2009, as Heritage Weekend
in the State of New York, and September 7-13, 2009, as Heritage Week in
the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Because of the significant heritage of New York State,
Congress has designated the Hudson River National Heritage Area, the
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, the Champlain Partnership
National Heritage Area and the Niagara River National Heritage Area and
New York State, itself, has a statewide system of heritage areas that
celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2007; and
WHEREAS, New York State is currently celebrating the 400th Anniversary
of the Hudson and Champlain voyages and the 200th Anniversary of the
voyage of the Fulton steamboat; and
WHEREAS, The Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commission will
be helping to initiate the first New York State Heritage Weekend on
September 12-13, 2009, in the Hudson and Champlain valleys; and
WHEREAS, Throughout these regions of New York State, museums, histor-
ical societies, heritage areas, historic sites, architecturally impor-
tant buildings and structures, battlefields and memorials, parks and
recreation areas, and urban and town historic districts, will welcome
visitors for free or at significantly reduced rates and with special
events; and
WHEREAS, Tourism is one of New York State's largest industries, with
an estimated $53.1 billion in consumer spending in 2008 and a Heritage
Week and a Heritage Weekend will create a greater awareness and appreci-
ation of New York State's unique heritage and further validate the
importance of heritage preservation while enhancing tourism opportu-
nities; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the rich history and enduring contribution
of the great State of New York to the heritage of the United States of
America, it is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
noteworthy traditions and customs of New York State so that present and
future generations may come to appreciate the unique significance which
its history plays in the progression of the evolution of our State and
Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim September 12-13,
2009, as Heritage Weekend in the State of New York, and September 7-13,
2009, as Heritage Week 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.