LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim July 2015 as Lebanese-American Heritage Month in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those organizations of true purpose and worthy accomplishment which
foster a spirit of community and service and, simultaneously, work dili-
gently to preserve their rich cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim July 2015 as Lebanese-American
Heritage Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Lebanese Americans are Americans of Lebanese descent; this
includes both those who are native to the United States as well as Leba-
nese immigrants to America; and
WHEREAS, Lebanese Americans are the largest group of people with
origins from Arab countries in America, comprising 0.79% of the American
population as of the American Community Survey estimations for year
2007, and 32.4% of all Americans who originate from Arab countries; and
WHEREAS, Lebanese Americans have historically excelled in business,
academia, arts and entertainment and have had a significant partic-
ipation in American politics and social and political activism; and
WHEREAS, Lebanese Americans are one of the most successful groups in
the United States, and are part of a diaspora often speaking many
languages including French, Arabic, Portuguese, Italian and English, for
historical reasons; Lebanon has seen a mingling of many religions
including Maronite Catholicism, Greek Orthodoxy, and Sunni and Shia
Islam, and there was a diaspora to many different countries around the
world; and
WHEREAS, Since coming to America, Lebanese have made tremendous
contributions to all sectors of our society, such as law, government,
the visual and performing arts, business, and academia, as well as medi-
cine and science; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York has always been richer, culturally and
socially, as a result of many contributions of its vibrant Lebanese
American community; New York is also fortunate to have in its midst a
substantial number of citizens who trace their origins to Lebanon; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body salutes all of the individuals, past
and present, who have given their time to this worthy event, noting
their commitment to enhance and improve the quality of life in their
community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim July 2015 as Lebanese-
American 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.