LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 5th Anniversary of Carry The
Load, a national event established in an effort to restore the true
meaning of Memorial Day

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 5th Anniversary of Carry The Load, a national event estab-
lished in an effort to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body wants to recognize those communities
throughout the State of New York that strive to take part in American
Holidays which honor all veterans and members of America's Armed Forces;
on May 3, 2016, the citizens of the Hamlet of Congers and the Town of
Clarkstown will be partaking in an impressive Carry the Load event; and
WHEREAS, The mission of Carry The Load is to restore the true meaning
of Memorial Day by remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by Amer-
ica's heroes, namely military, law enforcement officers, firefighters
and rescue personnel; and
WHEREAS, These days, there is a disconnect between what Memorial Day
means, and how it is observed; because of this disconnect, in 2011, two
former Navy Seals set out to raise awareness and resources to better
serve fallen heroes, and their families, who have died or were wounded
while carrying the load for their fellow Americans; and
WHEREAS, Carry The Load encourages Americans to participate, donate or
volunteer in a variety of ways throughout the month of May, and on Memo-
rial Day itself; for those who choose to walk, there is a National Relay
held that spans from West Point, New York to Dallas, Texas, over a six-
week period; for those who want to volunteer, there is a 20-hour walk,
or city-wide Memorial Day event, in several cities across the United
States, including a walk held in Clarkstown, New York, led by the
Clarkstown Police and The Nam Knights; and
WHEREAS, The following day, Wednesday, May 4th, a group from
Congers/Clarkstown will also be walking as part of the East Coast Relay
in New York City; this leg of the Relay is a 3.3 mile walk from Grand
Central Station to the 9/11 Memorial World Trade Center; participants of
this Carry The Load leg will be Veterans, family members, Clarkstown
residents, elected officials, Veterans groups, and police and fire
departments; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and
thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for
their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 5th Anniversary of Carry The Load, a national event
established in an effort to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Supervisor George Hoehmann, Town of Clarkstown, New York.