LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim May 1, 2009, as Cold War Victory Day in New York State

WHEREAS, All Americans and indeed all those who currently enjoy the
blessings of freedom and the joys of liberty throughout the world owe a
tremendous debt of gratitude and appreciation to those who have served
in the United States Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, The Cold War (September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991) was a
long and costly struggle for freedom among the forces of democratic
nations, led by the United States; and
WHEREAS, A Cold War is defined by the Department of Defense as a state
of international tension wherein political, economic, technological,
sociological, psychological, paramilitary, and military measures, short
of overt armed conflict involving regular military forces, are employed
to achieve national objectives; and
WHEREAS, The Cold War began after World War II with the threat of
world domination in Europe and Asia, and was a unique war marked by
periodic confrontations between the East and the West; and
WHEREAS, The end of the longest undeclared war in United States histo-
ry began with the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989, and culmi-
nated with the collapse of the Soviet Union's Communist government in
December 1991; and
WHEREAS, New York veterans valiantly served in our Nation's armed
forces during this long conflict, some sacrificing their lives, others
becoming disabled; and
WHEREAS, We remember and appreciate the service of our men and women
and all the sacrifices made to keep the peace of this great Nation; and
WHEREAS, The men and women who serve and who have served in the United
States Armed Forces all around the world are deserving of special trib-
ute; and
WHEREAS, The Cold War Veterans Association has identified May 1st as
the day to commemorate our victory in the Cold War; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim May 1, 2009, as Cold
War Victory Day in the State of New York, and to urge all citizens of
this great Empire State to display the Nation's flag that day out of
respect for all those who participated as members of the United States
Armed Forces during the Cold War; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York; Sean Eagan, Northeast Zone Director Cold War Veterans Association
and the Cold War Veterans Association, New York State Chapter.