Assembly Resolution No. 1058

BY: M. of A. Jensen

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
October 6, 2024, as Danish American Heritage 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
long-standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
applaud and commemorate events which foster ethnic pride and exemplify
the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the spirit of the
people and the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to memorialize Governor
Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 6, 2023, as Danish American Heritage
Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, New York State is home to more than 27,000 people of Danish
ancestry, making up nearly one-tenth of one percent of the state's
population, with approximately 1.1 million individuals with Danish
heritage nationwide; and

WHEREAS, The United States and the Kingdom of Denmark share, and
enjoy, a close relationship that is built upon a mutual commitment to
democracy, freedom, trade, rule of law, security, and prosperity, with
the cooperation of both nation's military, economy and politics serving
as the basis of an enduring partnership; and

WHEREAS, The first Danes in New York were aboard the Halve Maen, the
ship of Henry Hudson, which sailed into New York Harbor in 1609; later,
the majority of Danish immigrants originally settled in New York City
and other port cities to work as shipping agents, suppliers, and ship
builders before settling towards Midwestern farmland; and

WHEREAS, New York serves as the home of one of the most prominent
Danish American heritage organizations, the Danish American Chamber of
Commerce, which seeks to provide their members with networking
opportunities, mentoring, and serve as the preferred business network
for the Danish American business community; and

WHEREAS, New York is home to the Danish Seamen's Church in Brooklyn,
which serves as the spiritual outpost for Danes living in New York,
providing religious, social, and cultural opportunities for all people
with relations with Denmark; and

WHEREAS, One of the most prominent Danish-New Yorkers was Jacob
Riis, who as a social reformer and pioneer of investigatory journalism
helped to expose the living conditions in New York City's tenement
housing at the turn of the 20th century in his book, How the Other Half
Lives, leading to the first significant state legislation reducing the
evils of tenement houses; and


WHEREAS, The celebration of Danish American Heritage Day will
contribute to the Danish-American experience in the State of New York
and help further the preservation and enhancement of the Danish culture
and heritage, adding so much to the rich mosaic of which our great State
and Nation are comprised; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 6, 2024, as Danish
American Heritage Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.