LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the National Association for Black
Veterans upon the occasion of hosting its 2014 National Convention on
August 14-17, 2014

WHEREAS, Members of the United States Armed Forces, who served so faith-
fully and courageously in wars in which our Nation's freedom was at
stake, as well as in the preservation of peace during peacetime, deserve
the highest commendation of this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, The dedication and sacrifices of our military personnel
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and is a defender of liberty for peoples throughout the
world; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the National
Association for Black Veterans upon the occasion of hosting its 2014
National Convention in Brooklyn, New York, on August 14-17, 2014; and
WHEREAS, The National Association for Black Veterans, Inc. (NABVETS),
had its beginnings in 1969, when seven Vietnam combat veterans came
together to address issues concerning Black and other minority veterans;
originally known as the Interested Veterans of the Central City, it was
reorganized as NABVETS in 1973; and
WHEREAS, On April 2, 1998, NABVETS was certified as a national veter-
ans service organization by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the
purpose of preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under
laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed organization has admirably worked to promote
the interests of African American veterans who have sacrificed so much
in service to their nation; it works through partnerships with communi-
ty-based and veterans' organizations, federal, state and local govern-
ments, human service agencies, and concerned citizens; and
WHEREAS, NABVETS has served as a leader in addressing the unmet
concerns of minority and low-income veterans through direct services,
empowerment training and collaborative partnerships; and
WHEREAS, Over the last 29 years, NABVETS led several campaigns to
bridge the void for mainstream services to black veterans; furthermore,
the group is recognized nationally for its advocacy for family and youth
empowerment, and community development; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and associations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought
to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the
citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the National Association for Black Veterans upon the occasion of
hosting its 2014 National Convention; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the National Association for Black Veterans.