LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Civil
Air Patrol, December 1, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commemorate signif-
icant events which represent turning points in our unique history and
which are indelibly etched in the saga of our great Nation; and
WHEREAS, Organizations which serve the interests of the people of the
Empire State merit the commendation of this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, Members of the Civil Air Patrol, who have served so valiantly
and honorably, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 70th Anniversary of the Civil Air Patrol; this auspicious
occasion will be celebrated on Thursday, December 1, 2011; and
WHEREAS, On December 1, 1941, one week prior to the outbreak of World
War II, a group of men and women recognized foreign threats to the
United States and organized the aviation resources of this country to
aid in its defense by creating the Civil Air Patrol; and
WHEREAS, During World War II, Civil Air Patrol volunteers performed
multiple important missions on behalf of the country, including: coastal
patrols, search and rescue, cargo and courier flights and target towing
for gunnery practice; and
WHEREAS, Civil Air Patrol volunteers amassed a stunning record during
World War II; they flew more than a half million hours; located 173
German submarines, attacking 57 and sinking three; and directed ships to
rescue countless seamen in the water after their ships were torpedoed;
and
WHEREAS, A thankful Nation recognized the vital role that the Civil
Air Patrol played during World War II and on July 1, 1946, President
Truman enacted a law that incorporated the Civil Air Patrol as a benevo-
lent nonprofit organization tasked with performing three main missions:
Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs and Emergency Services; and
WHEREAS, The Civil Air Patrol was active during the 1998 upstate New
York ice storm; the search for the missing aircraft of John F. Kennedy,
Jr.; aerial photography in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001,
terrorist attack on the World Trade Center; helping victims of hurri-
canes Katrina and Rita; and during the Deepwater Horizon gulf oil spill;
and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
members of the Civil Air Patrol have demonstrated their love for their
country and merit forevermore, the highest respect of their State and
Nation; and
WHEREAS, Members of the Civil Air Patrol deserve to be recognized,
commended and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their
service and for their dedication to their communities, their State and
their Nation; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Civil Air Patrol on December 1,
2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the New York Civil Air Patrol.