LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 24, 2011, as Elmer Ellsworth Day in the State of New York,
paying tribute to this valiant soldier and patriot for his ultimate
sacrifice to the United States of America

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who have
fallen in battle to preserve beliefs, ideals and principles upheld by
these United States, do so profoundly strengthen our shared commitment
to the exercise of freedom; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such duty and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to memo-
rialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 24, 2011, as Elmer
Ellsworth Day in the State of New York, posthumously honoring him for
his contribution to his country and to pay just tribute to this valiant
soldier and patriot for his ultimate sacrifice to the United States of
America, in conjunction with the observance of the Sesquicentennial of
the American Civil War; and
WHEREAS, The American Civil War, also known as the War Between the
States, took place April 12, 1861 - April 9, 1865; 11 Southern slave
states declared their secession from the United States and formed the
Confederate States of America, also known as "the Confederacy"; and
WHEREAS, On May 24, 1861, a month and a half following the bombardment
of Fort Sumter, Colonel Elmer Ephraim Ellsworth, born in the Town of
Malta in 1837 and raised in Mechanicville, New York, gave his life for
his country; he was the first Union officer to die in the tragic
conflict between the states; and
WHEREAS, Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth of the Fire Zouaves, the 11th New
York Volunteer Infantry, was distinguished for his idealism, nobility of
character, and devotion to the Union, in training volunteers during the
years while war clouds gathered; and
WHEREAS, At the age of 24, Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth received his
fatal wound when he volunteered to go forth and tear down the huge
Confederate flag at Alexandria, Virginia, which had been defiantly
waving in full view of his friend and President, Abraham Lincoln, in the
White House; he succeeded in tearing down the flag but was killed while
descending the stairs with it in his hands; and
WHEREAS, Colonel Ellsworth's sacrifice was not made in vain; his
patriotism moved countless thousands to volunteer in the Union forces;
his selfless devotion to the Nation's cause shines forth even in our
time as that life nobly lived and bravely given; and
WHEREAS, The dedication and sacrifices of our military personnel
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and is a defender of liberty for peoples throughout the
world; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is very pleased to have this opportu-
nity to express its gratitude to Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth for the
tremendous sacrifice he made for our Nation and for the benefit of all
Americans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 24, 2011, as Elmer
Ellsworth Day in the State of New York, paying tribute to this valiant
soldier and patriot; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.