LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 2012 as Russian American Heritage Month in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Gover-
nor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2012, as Russian American Heritage
Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The history and participation of people of Russian heritage
in the American experience is not generally known; and
WHEREAS, Individuals of Russian heritage such as Ivan Turchaninov,
Union Army Brigadier General; Igor Sikorsky, inventor of the helicopter
and the multi-engine airplane; Vladimir Zvorykin, inventor of tele-
vision; Yul Bryner and Kirk Douglas, legends of Hollywood; Serge Brin,
co-founder and head of Google Corporation; Irving Berlin, author of "God
Bless America", and many others have made important contributions to the
development of our Nation; and
WHEREAS, By recognizing these outstanding individuals, future gener-
ations now have the opportunity to see them as role models and take full
pride in their ancestors accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Americans, in general, have unclear and vague insight of
Russian Americans, highlighted by shadows of the Cold War which obscures
the fact there has never been a Hot War between Russia and the USA; in
fact, both were allies during World War II; and
WHEREAS, Improved knowledge of the role Russian Americans have played
in the history of the United States, and of relations between Russia and
America, can lead to more productive opportunities for both, now as well
as in the future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2012 as Russian
American Heritage Month in the State of New York, and to urge all New
Yorkers to examine this subject in public schools, colleges, and univer-
sities throughout this great Empire State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York; Olga Zatsepina, President, Russian American Cultural Heritage
Center; Ambassador Sergey I. Kislyak, Russian Federation Embassy; Andrey
K. Yushmanov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in New York; His
Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York, Cathe-
dral of Our Lady of the Sign; Cyril Geacintov, President, Russian Nobil-
ity Association in America; Lawrence Weinberg, President, Novoe Russkoe
Slovo; George Nikolsky, President, American-Russian Aid Association,
OTRADA, Inc.; Tatiana Deptola, President, "New Russia" Cultural Center;
and Tatiana Bobrinskoy, Grand Chancellor, "Knights of the Orthodox Order
of St. John Russian Grand Priory".