LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim May 2009 as Military Appreciation Month in New York State

WHEREAS, New York State has a long-standing tradition of serving in the
Armed Forces of the United States, with thousands giving their lives in
defense of their country; and
WHEREAS, The contributions and sacrifices of military personnel from
New York State bases are vital to maintaining America's freedoms and way
of life; and
WHEREAS, It is crucial to raise awareness of the sacrifices that these
brave men and women in uniform have made in the past and continue to
make in order to support the Constitution and to preserve the liberties
that enrich this great Nation; and
WHEREAS, It is important to recognize the sacrifices, support and
dedication of the families of these men and women who serve; and
WHEREAS, It is important to instill in the youth of New York State the
significance of the contributions and the relevance of the history of
our great Nation that members of the United States Armed Forces have
made in securing and protecting the freedoms that United States citizens
enjoy today; and
WHEREAS, Our volunteer driven force makes it essential that the future
leaders of New York State and the Nation understand the military's
history and traditions, including the contributions and sacrifices of
those who have participated in military actions; and
WHEREAS, The citizens of New York State recognize the importance of
maintaining a strong, equipped, well-educated, and well-trained military
to safeguard freedoms, humanitarianism and peacekeeping efforts around
the world; and
WHEREAS, In 2004, the United States Senate and the United States House
of Representatives passed a resolution designating the month of May, as
"National Military Appreciation Month" and called upon the President to
issue each year a proclamation designating May as "National Military
Appreciation Month," calling on the people of the United States to honor
the dedicated service provided by the members of the United States Armed
Forces; the resolution states that the House and Senate "support the
goals and objectives of a National Military Appreciation Month"; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim May 2009 as Military
Appreciation Month in the State of New York, and to urge all citizens of
this great Empire State to display the Nation's flag for the month of
May out of respect for all those who participated as members of the
armed forces; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York, Colonel (Ret) James D. McDonough, Director of the New York State
Division of Veterans' Affairs and Major General Joseph J. Taluto, Adju-
tant General of the State of New York.