LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim September 17-23, 2011, as Constitution Week in the State of New
York in conjunction with National Constitution Week

WHEREAS, On September 17, 1787, the United States Constitution was
signed by 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention in
Philadelphia's Independence Hall; by joint resolution of Congress on
August 2, 1956, the President may proclaim the week beginning September
17 and ending September 23 of each year as "Constitution Week"; and
WHEREAS, "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more
perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide
for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the
Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and
establish this Constitution for the United States of America"; our Fore-
fathers laid the foundations for a great Nation with these words, writ-
ten more than 200 years ago, adopting a Constitution that has since
proven to be an enduring and true guide for American government; and
WHEREAS, The United States Constitution is a powerful framework for
establishing and preserving liberty, justice, and opportunity; it has
enabled us to prosper as a Nation and thrive as a people through more
than two centuries of political change, social transformation, and
economic challenge; and
WHEREAS, The Founders of our great Nation secured the principles
expressed in the Declaration of Independence by establishing a govern-
ment that derives its power from the consent of the American people; the
government established by the Constitution formed a remarkably resilient
structure, balancing necessary authority with inherent freedoms,
national unity with individual rights, and Federal interests with State
powers; and
WHEREAS, In addition, in structuring the Constitution, the Founders
also recognized the potential for necessary change and included a
constitutional amendment process, which has proven to be a vitally
important mechanism for achieving equality and fairness for all our
citizens; and
WHEREAS, Today, the United States stands as a beacon of democracy and
tolerance, inviting the nations of the world to pursue justice, provide
freedom, and protect liberty for their people; drawing strength and
guidance from the Constitution, the people of the United States work to
ensure that the blessings of American liberty endure and extend for
generations to come and remain resolved and vigilant in the defense of
life and liberty against tyranny and terror; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Legislature affirms its commitment to
exercise a leadership role in urging all its citizens to support Consti-
tution Week in the State of New York in conjunction with National
Constitution Week; and
WHEREAS, It is most appropriate that this great Empire State recog-
nizes the worthy and beneficial purposes of celebrating Constitution
Week in the State of New York in conjunction with National Constitution
Week; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call attention to
events that serve to bring people together for the united purpose of
actively pursuing improvements in their communities; now, therefore, he
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 17-23, 2011,
as Constitution Week in the State of New York in conjunction with
National Constitution Week; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.