LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Hudson Valley Chapter of American
Ex-Prisoners of War upon the occasion of celebrating the 65th Anniver-
sary of the liberation of World War II POWs on April 17, 2010

WHEREAS, The suffering and sacrifices of members of the United States
Armed Forces, who served so faithfully and courageously in World War II,
must be remembered with reverence so future generations will never
forget the cost of the peace that they made possible; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
Hudson Valley Chapter of American Ex-Prisoners of War upon the occasion
of celebrating the 65th Anniversary of the liberation of World War II
POWs; and
WHEREAS, This special event, celebrating those who sacrificed so much
for our freedoms, will be held at the Thayer Hotel on the campus of the
West Point Military Academy on Saturday, April 17, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The keynote speaker will be Chuck Scarborough, of NBC News,
whose father's Army Air Force B-17 Bomber was shot down over Yugoslavia,
but the crew managed to avoid capture; and
WHEREAS, The POWs of World War II actually fought in two "wars"; the
first was a war with weapons, as they battled the enemy on land, air and
sea; the second was a war of wits as they struggled to survive the
brutal treatment imposed on them by their captors; and
WHEREAS, From the Bataan Death March and the broiling Pacific heat, to
the coldest European winter in 100 years (1944), United States POWs were
forced to endure the elements, forced marches, starvation diets, beat-
ings and often murder at the hands of their captors; and
WHEREAS, POWs are the least likely of all combat troops to discuss the
hardships they suffered, even with family; they are only comfortable
recalling their days of misery with other POWs; and yet, they share a
common concern: "After we're gone, will our experience be forgotten?";
and
WHEREAS, The ceremony to be hosted by the Hudson Valley Chapter of
American Ex-Prisoners of War in honor of the POWs, will help to ensure
that the history of their sacrifices will not be lost to future gener-
ations; it is a small token of recognition for all that these survivors
endured as they fought so valiantly to keep America free; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State and Nation must never forget
the courage with which these POWs served our country; their bravery and
steadfast service in the face of grave danger was essential for our
country to maintain its role as the leader of the free world; they are
the true defenders of democracy and democratic ideals; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
the POWs of World War II have continuously demonstrated their unwavering
love and loyalty for their country and merit forevermore, the highest
respect of this State and Nation as well as our great appreciation and
eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Hudson Valley Chapter of American Ex-Prisoners of War upon the
occasion of celebrating the 65th Anniversary of the liberation of World
War II POWs on April 17, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Hudson Valley Chapter of American Ex-Prisoners of War.