LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 70th Anniversary of Victory in
Europe Day on May 8, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commemorate
historical events which have defined the culture and spirit of the Amer-
ican people and Modern History as we know it; and
WHEREAS, World War II was the largest and most violent armed conflict
in the history of mankind, with fatality estimates ranging between
22,000,000 and 70,000,000 military and civilian deaths; and
WHEREAS, America's finest men and women risked life and limb to
protect the American way of life and to halt foreign tyranny and
aggression; and
WHEREAS, The horrors of the Holocaust resulted in the deaths of over
6,000,000 Jews at the hands of Nazi Germany and the Axis Powers; and
WHEREAS, Over 16,000,000 Americans, including many New Yorkers, served
in uniform and of these Americans, 405,000 members of the United States
Armed Forces paid the ultimate sacrifice for the protection of the Amer-
ican people and for the formation of a more stable world; and
WHEREAS, Allied forces faced ferocious combat, exhibited unmatched
bravery, and endured untold tragedy throughout the world in their
efforts to liberate captured foes from tyranny and oppression; and
WHEREAS, On May 7, 1945, a representative for the German High Command
signed and transferred the unconditional act of surrender of both East
and West forces to allied representatives in a schoolhouse in Reims,
France; and
WHEREAS, On May 8, 1945, Victory in Europe (VE) Day was officially
recognized around the Western world with German troops laying down their
arms as news of the German surrender spread throughout Europe; and
WHEREAS, The trauma and the exultant triumph of the events of World
War II still reside today in the collective American psyche through
contemporary tales in novels, cinema, and oral telling; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 855,000 World War II veterans are still alive
today, with approximately 44,000 being from New York State; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations in
recognition of the service and sacrifices of all of the brave men and
women who fought and contributed to American victory; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause further to honor the fami-
lies and descendants of those men and women, and the men and women them-
selves, whose lives were taken in defense of liberty and freedom; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause further to commemorate the
70th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day on May 8, 2015, in conjunction
with many events being held nationally and throughout the State of New
York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to select military organizations throughout the communities of
the State of New York.