LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Battle
of the Bulge

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these soldiers fought on battlefields, in jungles, in the air
and at sea; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commemorate the
70th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge; and
WHEREAS, Seventy years ago, more than 600,000 American soldiers,
including those from the State of New York, fought at the Battle of the
Bulge in the Ardennes Forest region of Belgium and Luxembourg; what
began as a German surprise attack on December 16, 1944, became the larg-
est land battle involving United States troops in World War II and ended
with an Allied victory on January 25, 1945; and
WHEREAS, By the end of the battle, there were 89,000 American casual-
ties, including approximately 19,000 who had sacrificed their lives;
this formidable stand was a turning point in the war and was critical to
the defeat of Nazi Germany and the liberation of Europe from tyranny;
and
WHEREAS, The 291st Engineer Combat Battalion was one of the many
battalions to have participated in the Battle of the Bulge; their
contributions helped slow the German advances in Belgium by destroying
bridges, planting mines and establishing roadblocks, in addition to
engaging in fierce close quarters combat; and
WHEREAS, Americans continue to be inspired by the valor and integrity
of those who fought and those who died at the Battle of the Bulge; this
Legislative Body recognizes these brave individuals and pays special
tribute to all veterans of World War II; when it mattered most, an
entire generation of Americans exemplified the finest qualities of our
Nation and humanity; and
WHEREAS, On the 70th Anniversary of one of the fiercest battles of
World War II, this Legislative Body, representing the people of this
great Empire State, honors the veterans who share with us the story of
this epic struggle and all of the brave Americans who fought in the
Battle of the Bulge; and
WHEREAS, No greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave
their lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue as pris-
oners of war and missing in action; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and now
merit the highest respect from their State, New York; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans will forevermore deserve to be recog-
nized, commended and thanked by the people of the State of New York;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.