Senate Resolution No. 313

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
January 21, 2019, as Irish Declaration of
Independence Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which
comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community
of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 21, 2019, as
Irish Declaration of Independence Day in the State of New York, in
remembrance of the Dail Eireann ratifying Ireland's Declaration of
Ireland's Independence; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated with
a Ceremony hosted by the New York State Ancient Order of Hibernians and
Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians on Monday, January 28, 2019, in
Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, The celebration of Ireland's independence affirms the
culture, identity and self-esteem of a people; it honors a rich heritage
and illuminates Ireland's history and tradition, as well as the spirit
of an indomitable people; and

WHEREAS, The people of this great State, Nation and Ireland enjoy a
deep and abiding relationship rooted in kinship and culture, and many
New Yorkers proudly trace their own roots to the Emerald Isle; and

WHEREAS, On January 21, 1919, the representatives of the Irish
people, elected in the 32 county election of 1918, and assembled in
Dublin as a National Parliament, the first Dail Eireann, did adopt
Ireland's Declaration of Independence and ratify the Irish Republic
proclaimed on Easter Monday 1916; and

WHEREAS, Said Declaration of Independence, duly recites that the
Irish people always had a right to national freedom and self-government
which Britain denied by military occupation, against the will of the
Irish people; and

WHEREAS, Like the signers of America's Declaration of Independence,
these patriots who pledged themselves to freedom, risked imprisonment or
death by a colonial British government which tried to crush the cause of
liberty; and

WHEREAS, Because of the historic and indispensable role played by
Irish patriots and Irish Americans within New York State to bring about
this most important event in Ireland's great history, it is fitting that
Ireland's Declaration of Independence be suitably remembered, honored
and commemorated; and

WHEREAS, The Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Ancient
Order of Hibernians, the oldest and largest Irish-American
organizations, are dedicated to perpetuating the history and traditions

of the Irish people and to promoting Freedom for all Ireland, and whose
members are justly proud of America's Declaration of Independence can
also take pride in Ireland's Declaration of Independence; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 21, 2019, as
Irish Declaration of Independence Day in the State of New York, in
remembrance of the Dail Eireann ratifying Ireland's Declaration of
Independence; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York; Victor Vogel, President, New York State Ancient Order of
Hibernians; and Jacqueline Clute, President, New York State Ladies
Ancient Order of Hibernians.