LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing the 237th Birthday of the United
States Army on June 14, 2012

WHEREAS, In the course of the evolving development of this Empire State,
if the ingredients of shared concern and responsive endeavor combine in
the symmetry of commitment to heritage, there have emerged among the
distinguished citizenry of the State of New York, certain organizations
that warrant special recognition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize the 237th Birthday of the United States Army on June 14, 2012; and
WHEREAS, The Continental Army was formed 237 years ago with the goals
of ending tyranny and winning freedom for the colonists in what has
become the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, Since the end of the American Revolution, our Nation's
soldiers, imbued with the spirit of the original patriots, have pledged
their allegiance to our Nation through their sacrifices in uniform; and
WHEREAS, All of the United States Army units, Active, Guard, and
Reserve, share the heritage of the Continental Army, and our Nation's
soldiers represent the finest men and women our country has to offer;
and
WHEREAS, Thousands of our Nation's soldiers stand guard around the
globe ensuring our freedom and doing the tough jobs that maintain our
way of life; and
WHEREAS, The United States Army is steeped in a proud tradition that
dates back to June 14, 1775, but is ever flexible and capable of
responding to a dynamic world; and
WHEREAS, The United States Army is transforming to meet the new
demands of the 21st Century; and
WHEREAS, The United States Army will ensure the President, as Comman-
der in Chief of the Armed Forces, continues to have capable land forces
to quickly and efficiently deploy throughout the world to meet the
national security interests of the United States; and
WHEREAS, The United States Army will ensure the Governor, as Commander
in Chief of the New York State National Guard, continues to have capable
land forces to expertly provide emergency response capabilities to the
people of this Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Both in times of peace and war, throughout more than two
centuries, our Nation's soldiers have been poised and ready to answer
the call of duty to defend our great country; and
WHEREAS, Today, thousands of New Yorkers continue to answer the call
of service to Country by volunteering to join the United States Army;
and
WHEREAS, These brave men and women continue to stand ready to deploy,
engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close
combat; and
WHEREAS, The soldiers of the United States Army dedicate themselves to
the Army values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integ-
rity, and personal courage; and
WHEREAS, The United States Army follows the Soldiers' Creed, to always
place the mission first, never accept defeat, never quit, and never
leave a fallen comrade; and
WHEREAS, The United States Army remains the best fighting force in the
world; unchallenged, unparalleled, respected by their allies, feared by
their opponents, and esteemed by the people of the United States; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the bravery, patriotism and sacrifice made by the men and
women of the United States Army, both those still living and those who
have died in service to our great country; and to most proudly memorial-
ize the 237th Birthday of the United States Army on June 14, 2012; 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; The Honorable John M. McHugh, Secretary of the Army; General
Raymond T. Odierno, Chief of Staff of the United States Army; and Major
General Patrick A. Murphy, 52nd Adjutant General of New York State.