Assembly Resolution No. 614

BY: M. of A. Jones

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 23, 2025, as Poppy Day in the State of New York,
in conjunction with the observance of National Poppy
Day

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 23, 2025, as Poppy Day in the
State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Poppy
Day; and

WHEREAS, Poppies are worn and displayed as a symbolic tribute to
fallen and future veterans and members of the Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, The use of the poppy symbolically comes from the poem "In
Flanders Fields," which movingly begins, "In Flanders Fields the poppies
blow, between the crosses, row on row," referring to the poppies that
sprang up in the battlefields and newly dug soldiers' graves in parts of
Belgium and France during World War I; and

WHEREAS, The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars have
adopted the poppy as a symbol of freedom and the blood shed by those who
served in the United States Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, The red poppy has been worn in the United States for more
than 80 years as a way to remember those individuals who died fighting
for freedom and democracy around the world and to raise money to help
disabled veterans; and

WHEREAS, The poppy is worn throughout the world to commemorate
members of the Armed Forces who have died in the line of duty, as part
of Remembrance Day, Armistice Day, or Poppy Day ceremonies; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 23, 2025, as Poppy Day
in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Poppy Day, to ensure all New Yorkers remember those who have fought for
our country's freedom; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York; and American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts throughout
the State of New York.