LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim May 20, 2010, as Women of Valor Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, The dictionary defines the word "valor" as "boldness or deter-
mination in facing great danger; heroic courage; bravery"; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the history of the State of New York and the
history of the United States of America there have been many women who
have exemplified the definition of valor on the battlefield, as stated
on the plaque of the New York State Women Veterans Memorial: "New York
State Women have earned the highest decorations for valor and service
from our State and Nation"; and
WHEREAS, As early as the Revolutionary War, women such as Margaret
Corbin, who fought at the Battle of Fort Washington, have demonstrated
great valor, skill and determination in combat; and
WHEREAS, The only female recipient of the Congressional Medal of
Honor, Mary Edwards Walker, who served during the Civil War, was born in
Oswego, New York; and
WHEREAS, It is also incumbent on the State of New York to recognize
those women of valor who did not participate in war yet distinguished
themselves in other ways, women such as Sojourner Truth who risked her
life to escape from slavery and later became the first African-American
woman to win a court case against a white man; and
WHEREAS, Shirley Chisholm demonstrated her valor and courage by over-
coming prejudice to become the first African-American woman elected to
Congress where she served New York's Bedford Stuyvesant community from
1968 until 1982; and
WHEREAS, Women also perform heroic and valorous service in many capac-
ities in police departments throughout the State; over 3,000 women serve
in the ranks of the New York City Police Department; furthermore,
Buffalo Police District B is commanded by Police Chief Donna Berry; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York is justifiably proud to recognize and
pay tribute to women of valor who play an integral and vital part in our
State and our Nation's protection, politics and in advancing the cause
of human rights throughout New York and the United States; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim May 20, 2010, as
"Women of Valor Day" 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.