LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the celebration of Danish Constitu-
tion Day, June 5, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those events
which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of the cultural diver-
sity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to this concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the celebration of Danish Constitution Day, June 5, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Grundlovsdag, which means Constitution Day in Denmark, is
celebrated on June 5th each year; it commemorates the anniversary of the
signing of the Danish constitution of 1849, by Frederik IV, which estab-
lished Denmark as a constitutional monarchy; the Kingdom of Denmark
includes Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands; and
WHEREAS, The throne of Denmark was established in the 10th Century and
is the oldest in Europe and third oldest in the world; through to the
17th Century, the majority of decisions in Danish rule came through the
monarchy and each monarch was obliged to sign the Haandfaestning wherein
he promised to rule fairly; and
WHEREAS, In 1660, Denmark became a constitutional monarchy, effec-
tively removing the monarchy from absolute power and putting decision
making into the hands of the leaders of government; from this time,
aside from the royal power of the king, three types of powers existed in
Denmark: legislative, executive and judicial; and
WHEREAS, Including the signing of the first constitution, five consti-
tutions have been written and signed: 1849, 1866, 1915, 1920 and 1953;
none of these had amendments but each was superseded by the one follow-
ing; on June 5, 1915, women received the right to vote; and
WHEREAS, New York State is home to more than 35,000 people who come
from Danish ancestry; and
WHEREAS, Constitution Day in Denmark is commemorated by a half- or
full-day holiday; many places hold festivals and there are often poli-
tical rallies; students, graduates, bands and organizations march in
parades behind the bright red and white of the Danish flag; the flag
also dominates many buildings across the country; and
WHEREAS, Since 1935, the date June 5th, perhaps symbolically, has also
been the date the Danish celebrate Fathers' Day; and
WHEREAS, The celebration of Constitution Day has contributed to the
Danish-American experience and to the preservation and enhancement of
the Danish culture and heritage, adding so much to the rich mosaic of
which our great State and Nation are comprised; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the celebration of Danish Constitution Day, June 5, 2016.