LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the reopening and rededication of
the New York State Vietnam Memorial Gallery, on April 15, 2013

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so faithfully and courageously in wars in which our Nation's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace during
peacetime, 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 reopening and rededication of the New York State Vietnam Memo-
rial Gallery; a special Ceremony was held on Monday, April 15, 2013, in
the Robert Abrams Building for Law and Justice in Albany; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Vietnam Memorial Gallery had been closed
since 2009; it has been reopened in inauguration of New York State's
partnership with the United States Department of Defense's commemoration
of the 50th Anniversary of America's military involvement in Vietnam;
and
WHEREAS, The Memorial Gallery features the exhibit, Welcome Home: The
50-year Commemoration of the Vietnam War 1962-1975; it displays a varie-
ty of artifacts worn and used by military personnel who served in the
Vietnam War, as well as art evocative of the experience of soldiers in
the war; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Vietnam Memorial Gallery honors the mili-
tary service of New York State residents who served their country in
Southeast Asia between 1961-1975, including the more than four thousand
who lost their lives or were declared missing in action; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated in 1984, the memorial was one of the first such
state efforts in the Nation; the gallery was created to serve as a
living component of the memorial, offering exhibits and programs
intended to increase public understanding of the Vietnam War, and to
continually honor those who served; and
WHEREAS, The national commemoration of the Vietnam War will last for
13 years, reflecting the duration of the conflict, from when American
forces first engaged in major combat to when the last American soldier
left; as a Commemoration Partner, the great State of New York will pay
tribute to our veterans throughout this 13-year period by educating the
public about what American troops endured in service to our country; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved with great respect and rever-
ent esteem, and, on behalf of all of the citizens of the Empire State,
to renew its tribute to the men and women of New York State who so cour-
ageously served their State and Nation during the Vietnam War in defense
of freedom and democracy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the reopening and rededication of the New York State Vietnam
Memorial Gallery, and to express its gratitude to the veterans of the
Vietnam War, and their families, for their service and sacrifice on
behalf of the United States; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the New York State Vietnam Memorial Gallery.