LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the American
Civil War in the State of New York and recognizing the Fighting 69th of
New York

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, this Legislative Body is justly proud to celebrate
the 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War in the State of New York
and recognize the Fighting 69th of New York; and
WHEREAS, An understanding of the Civil War which took place April 12,
1861 - April 9, 1865, is obtained through understanding the societal
influences of patriotism, human rights, economics, religion and politics
in America in the early to mid 1800s; the primal emotions leading to war
were therefore rooted in the differences of opinion and belief between
North and South with respect to those influences; and
WHEREAS, The root causes of the Civil War can be broken down into
states' rights and slavery, along with political and economic consider-
ations; and
WHEREAS, The most populous state in the Union during the American
Civil War, New York provided more troops to the Union Army than any
other state, including several significant military commanders and lead-
ers; today, New York State is home to the largest collection of Civil
War battle flags; and
WHEREAS, The Fighting 69th of New York traces its proud history to the
Civil War; with the outbreak of hostilities following Fort Sumter, the
Irish joined the Armies of both sides in large numbers and served with
great distinction, heroism and honor; the Fighting 69th of New York
suffered the sixth highest casualties of the more than 2,000 Regiments
serving the North during the Civil War; and
WHEREAS, The battlefield exploits and colorful demeanor of these Sons
of Erin expedited the process of assimilation and the full and welcome
acceptance of the Irish into American society; and
WHEREAS, Continuing to serve the State and Nation, the 69th Infantry
Regiment is a military unit from New York City, part of the New York
Army National Guard; it is known as the Fighting 69th, a name said to
have been given to it by Robert E. Lee during the Civil War; the regi-
ment currently consists of a single light infantry battalion (1st
Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment) and is part of the 27th Brigade
Combat Team of the 42nd Infantry Division; and
WHEREAS, The Fighting 69th's history dates back to 1849, when it was
created as the 9th New York Militia; "A" company can trace its roots
back to the American Revolution; the regiment has served in combat in
five wars, including the American Civil War, World War I, World War II,
Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and has partic-
ipated in 23 campaigns; it is an Irish heritage unit, with many of its
traditions and symbols deriving from a time when the regiment, the Irish
Brigade (U.S.), was made entirely of Irish-Americans; and
WHEREAS, The bravery, and the willingness of those who have sacrificed
and continue to sacrifice for the well-being of future generations, is
deserving of the highest honor by all defenders of freedom and democra-
cy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War in the State

of New York and recognize the Fighting 69th of New York; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Fighting 69th of New York.