LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Opening
of the Panama Canal on August 15, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize events
of historical significance which have had a profound effect on the
development of our great Empire State and our world as a whole; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to celebrate
the 100th Anniversary of the Opening of the Panama Canal on Monday,
August 15, 2014; and
WHEREAS, One of the most important waterways in the world, the Panama
Canal is a 48 mile-long international waterway connecting the Atlantic
and Pacific Oceans; this vital trading link saves ships passing through
the long journey around the southern tip of South America, a distance of
8000 miles; and
WHEREAS, Originally a French project begun in the 1880s, the Panama
Canal was successfully constructed in the period from 1904 to 1914; it
held its official grand opening on August 15, 1914; and
WHEREAS, Many New Yorkers played a vital role in the canal's
construction: William Cromwell, a Brooklyn attorney, worked to convince
Congress to accept the project; Manhattan born President Theodore Roose-
velt convinced Congress to choose Panama as the best route; and George
Washington Goethals, an engineer from Brooklyn, played a pivotal roll
supervising the canal's construction; and
WHEREAS, The Panama Canal is now more important than ever, serving as
a vital trading route in the current era of globalization; its new
expansion project will allow ships double the present maximum size to
pass through the canal, dramatically increasing the amount of goods that
can be transported; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, that when events of
such historical importance are brought to our attention, they should be
celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Opening of the Panama Canal on
Monday, August 15, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Panamanian Retirees Breakfast Club.