LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim June 2014 as Russian Heritage Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Gover-
nor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2014 as Russian Heritage Month in
the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of this auspicious event, the Russian American
Foundation has been conducting the Annual Russian Heritage Festival
since 2002; the Festival aims to encourage interest in and understanding
of Russian Heritage among all communities in the United States as well
as to promote reciprocal interest in American heritage among global
communities of the former Soviet Union; and
WHEREAS, The Russian Heritage Festival, which runs from June 1 to 30,
2014, has become a unifying force of the whole Russian-speaking communi-
ty, allowing its members from across the former Soviet Union to preserve
their heritage, culture and language and express their cultural identi-
ty, as well as facilitating a cultural dialog between all generations of
the Russian-speaking community and instilling pride in their heritage in
young Russian-speaking Americans; and
WHEREAS, This year, the Russian Heritage Festival observes the 12th
Anniversary, proving its significance for the Russian-speaking community
as well as for all communities of New York; and
WHEREAS, The 12th Anniversary Russian Heritage Festival will include
numerous honorees: H.E. Dr. Kairat Umarov, Alexander Levin, David Hall-
berg, Boaz Vaadia, and the Russian American Officers Association; and
WHEREAS, The great State of New York is made greater by the diverse
heritage of its people; and
WHEREAS, The history and participation of people of Russian heritage
in the American experience is not generally known; and
WHEREAS, Such Americans of Russian heritage as Union Army Brigadier
General Ivan Turchaninov; inventors, Vladimir Zvorykin (of television)
and Igor Sikorsky (of the helicopter and the multi-engine airplane);
composers, Sergei Rachmaninoff and Igor Stravinsky; Hollywood legends,
Yul Brynner, Kirk Douglas and Natalie Wood, and contemporary stars,
Natalie Portman and Winona Ryder; dance legends, George Balanchine,
Mikhail Baryshnikov and Alexandra Danilova; science fiction luminary,
Isaac Asimov; Google co-founder, Sergey Brin and political advisor,
David Axelrod; famed songwriter, Irving Berlin, author of "God Bless
America," and many others who have made important contributions to the
development of our Nation; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing these outstanding individuals gives future gener-
ations the opportunity to see them as role models and take full pride in
their ancestors' accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Improved knowledge of the role Russian Americans have played
in the history of the United States, and of relations between Russia and
America, can lead to more productive opportunities for both, now as well
as in the future; and
WHEREAS, Russian Americans have made an indelible impression upon
every human endeavor in art, music, literature, science, film, dance,
theater, sports, education, law, finance, and politics and shall contin-
ue to embellish New York's shining future, reflecting the noble past of
this mighty race, with all the strength, resilience, humor and hospital-
ity of the Russian character; it is most fitting to set aside this month
to highlight and honor the history and heritage of the Russian Americans
and to remember and pay tribute to the contributions they have made to
our State and Nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative. Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2014, as Russian
Heritage Month in the State of New York; 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.