LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating Veterans Day on November 11, 2011,
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate Veterans Day on November 11, 2011, in New York State; and
WHEREAS, Formerly known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day gives Americans
the opportunity to thank and honor living United States veterans who
served honorably in the military, in wartime or peacetime; and
WHEREAS, Both a federal holiday and a state holiday, Veterans Day is
celebrated on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armis-
tice that ended World War I; and
WHEREAS, Armistice Day was first commemorated in the United States by
President Woodrow Wilson in 1919, and 30 states made it a legal holiday;
in 1926, Congress passed a resolution inviting all Americans to observe
the day, and made it a legal holiday nationwide in 1938; and
WHEREAS, In 1954, the 83rd United States Congress, at the urging of
the veterans service organizations who had been through both World War
II and the Korean War, Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day; and
WHEREAS, When holidays in the United States, with the exception of New
Year's Day, Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day and Independence Day were
moved to Mondays to create long holiday weekends, Veterans Day was moved
to the fourth Monday of October; and
WHEREAS, After protests by veterans groups, Veterans Day was moved
back to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978, in order to
make the holiday more important; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women in uniform served their country, and must
recognize that no greater debt is owed than that owed to them, as well
as those who gave their lives for their beloved Nation and to those who
continue to be missing in action; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans 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;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate Veterans Day on November 11, 2011, in New York State; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to William Kraus, Acting Director of the New York State Division
of Veterans Affairs.