LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Ameri-
can Legion, Lieutenant B. R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291 on June
6, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those organizations which set an example of patriotism and
community engagement throughout the state; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to celebrate
the 70th Anniversary of the American Legion, Lt. B.R. Kimlau Chinese
Memorial Post 1291, held on June 6, 2015; and
WHEREAS, The Kimlau Post was established in memory of Lieutenant
Benjamin Ralph Kimlau, an Air Force Bomber pilot during World War II,
who was killed in action during an air battle over New Guinea Island in
March 1944; and
WHEREAS, Since 1944, The Kimlau Post has been a pioneer in its ability
to provide a wide variety of services to its members and maintain a
robust group of supporters; and
WHEREAS, The Kimlau Post has engaged in issues that matter to the
Chinese-American community, such as successfully advocating for the fair
treatment of immigrants; and
WHEREAS, In the course of its history, The Kimlau Post published both
the Bugle Journal and the Kimlau Post Journal, the first bilingual news-
papers published by an American Legion post; and
WHEREAS, Together with the Chinatown community, The Kimlau Post memo-
rialized "Kimlau Square" in Manhattan's Chinatown, honoring Chinese-Am-
ericans who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States;
and
WHEREAS, As a strong supporter of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent
Association (CCBA), The Kimlau Post has continued to sponsor many
services not only to the benefit of its membership, but for the wider
Chinese-American community; and
WHEREAS, The Kimlau Post has petitioned for street safety in China-
town, helped individuals through the immigration process, taught
English, and provided programs and services for community members of all
ages; and
WHEREAS, The Kimlau Post continues to provide successful American
Legion programs such as Support Our Troops/Family Support Program, Flag
Education, and Marine Toys for Tots; and
WHEREAS, The Kimlau Post has established two new units, the American
Legion Auxiliary and Sons of American Legion, to provide an opportunity
for the spouses, children, and grandchildren of veterans to join the
American Legion; and
WHEREAS, In 2015, The Kimlau Post was inducted into the New York State
Senate's Veteran's Hall of Fame for the Post's active role in, and work
on behalf of, the Asian American community in New York City; and
WHEREAS, Fang Wong, the first Asian-American National Commander of the
American Legion from 2011-2012, is a member of the Kimlau Post; and
WHEREAS, The Kimlau Post serves as a constant reminder of the invalu-
able service veterans have given in defense of our nation and its
values; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the American Legion, Lt. B.R. Kimlau
Chinese Memorial Post 1291; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the American Legion, Lt. B.R. Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post
1291.