LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 4, 2016, as Star Wars Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
days that are set aside to increase awareness of the creative talents
that have contributed immensely to the entertainment and the enrichment
of the lives of citizens of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memori-
alize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 4, 2016, as Star Wars Day
in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Star Wars Day; and
WHEREAS, Each year, on May 4, Star Wars Day is celebrated by thousands
of Star War enthusiasts with parties and events around the Nation; the
famous movie phrase "May the Force Be With You," is often reinterpreted
as "May the Fourth Be With You"; and
WHEREAS, The etymology of the phrase surprisingly was not introduced
by Star Wars fans; and
WHEREAS, On May 4, 1979, Margaret Thatcher was elected as Britain's
first female Prime Minister, and an advertisement was placed in THE
LONDON EVENING NEWS which read "May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie.
Congratulations"; and
WHEREAS, Another origin of the reinterpreted phrase came during a 2005
interview of Star Wars creator, George Lucas, on a German news tele-
vision channel; he was asked about the famous phrase, and in trans-
lation, the phrase became "On May 4 We Are With You"; and
WHEREAS, Star Wars Day celebrates the arts of our Nation, honors our
artists, and expresses our appreciation to everyone who patronizes the
arts; and as we celebrate Star Wars Day, we celebrate and give thanks to
our American freedom, the only atmosphere in which artists can truly
create and in which art is truly the expression of the soul; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 4, 2016, as Star
Wars Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.