Senate Resolution No. 1489

BY: Senator KAPLAN

COMMENDING the Village of South Floral Park, New
York, upon the occasion of hosting its 29th Annual
United States Armed Forces Day Celebration on May
18, 2019

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 peacetime, 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the
Village of South Floral Park, New York, upon the occasion of hosting its
29th Annual United States Armed Forces Day Celebration on Saturday, May
18, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Armed Forces Day is a day to appreciate all active duty
service members; it is observed annually on the third Saturday of May;
the theme for 2019 is "For the Nation. For the People."; and

WHEREAS, Many events across the United States take place on Armed
Forces Day to honor Americans in uniform who served their country in
times of war and peace; under the luminous leadership of Mayor Geoffrey
N. Prime, South Floral Park's celebration will feature powerful speeches
by several local dignitaries; and

WHEREAS, Those who are honored on this day include people who serve
the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard; National Guard and
Reserve units may celebrate Armed Forces Day/Week over any period in May
because of their unique training schedules; and

WHEREAS, On August 31, 1949, Armed Forces Day was created by
Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson to replace separate Army, Navy,
Marine Corps and Air Force holidays; and

WHEREAS, On February 27, 1950, President Harry S. Truman proclaimed
"Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined
demonstration by America's defense team of its progress, under the
National Security Act, towards the goal of readiness for any
eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified
forces of our land, sea, and air defense."; and

WHEREAS, Festivities for the very first Armed Forces Day began the
week before the holiday; on the actual day, B-36 bombers flew over the
capitals of every state, 10,000 troops and veterans marched in
Washington, D.C., and more than 36,000 people participated in a parade
in New York City; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Americans across the country honored our
meritorious members of the United States military with local parades,
air shows, receptions and other celebrations; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women serve 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, 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 armed forces 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
commend the Village of South Floral Park, New York, upon the occasion of
hosting its 29th Annual United States Armed Forces Day Celebration on
May 18, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Geoffrey N. Prime, Mayor, Village of South Floral Park.