Assembly Resolution No. 964

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

HONORING the life and legacy of Dr. Mary Edwards
Walker in conjunction with the March 2024 observance
of Women's History Month

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge and
celebrate individuals and events of historic significance which add
vitality, sensitivity, understanding and inspiration to the diversity
and value of the people of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
the life and legacy of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker in conjunction with the
March 2024 observance of Women's History Month; and

WHEREAS, An American feminist, suffragist, suspected spy, prisoner
of war and surgeon, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker remains the only women ever
to receive the Medal of Honor, which she was awarded for her service
during the Civil War; and

WHEREAS, Born in Oswego, New York, in 1832, Mary Walker was the
fifth daughter of abolitionists Alvah and Vesta Whitcomb Walker who
encouraged her to think freely; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker graduated from Syracuse Medical
College in 1855, and set up her own medical practice in Rome, New York,
shortly thereafter; and

WHEREAS, In 1860, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker briefly attended Bowen
Collegiate Institute in Hopkinton, Iowa, but was swiftly suspended from
the college for refusing to resign from the school's all-male debate
team; and

WHEREAS, At the onset of the Civil War, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker
traveled to Washington to join the Union Army; she was denied a
commission as a medical officer, but served anyway as an unpaid
volunteer surgeon at the U.S. Patent Office Hospital in Washington; and

WHEREAS, In 1862, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker worked as an unpaid field
surgeon near the front lines at Fredericksburg and Chattanooga; in
September of the following year, she became the first female U.S. Army
surgeon following her commission as a "Contract Acting Assistant
Surgeon" by the Army of the Cumberland; and

WHEREAS, While serving as an assistant surgeon with the 52nd Ohio
Infantry, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker routinely crossed the lines to treat
civilians; on one such foray in 1864, she was detained by Confederate
troops and arrested for suspicion of spying; she was eventually freed in
a prisoner exchange; and

WHEREAS, During the remainder of the war, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker
served at the Louisville Women's Prison Hospital and at an orphan asylum
in Clarksville, Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of her valiant military service, Dr.
Mary Edwards Walker was awarded a disability pension for muscular
atrophy which she suffered while in prison in Castle Thunder; based on
the recommendation of Major Generals Sherman and Thomas, President
Andrew Johnson signed a bill on November 11, 1865, to present her with
the Medal of Honor for Meritorious Service; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was a fierce suffrage advocate,
testifying before Congress on the issue multiple times and engaging in
efforts of civil disobedience; in her later years, she opened her home
to those who were also ostracized, harassed, and arrested for not
conforming to traditional ideas of how people should dress; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker died at her home on February 21,
1919; she was laid to rest in a black suit at Rural Cemetery in Oswego,
New York; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was inducted into the National
Women'sHall of Fame in 2000; she also had a Liberty ship named after her
in World War II, called the SS Mary Walke; furthermore, in 2012, her
hometown unveiled a 900-pound bronze statue in honor of her
contributions and advocacy on behalf of women; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes that New York State is the
home to countless women such as Dr. Mary Edwards Walker who are strong
and colorful threads, vital to the fabric of our rich heritage, who have
contributed, and continue to add to the advancement of our culture
through their traditional and non-traditional roles in society; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the life and legacy of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker in conjunction with
the observance of Women's History Month.