Senate Resolution No. 2417

BY: Senator HAMILTON

COMMEMORATING the 150th Anniversary of the
Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade on May 29, 2017

WHEREAS, Each and every city, town, village and hamlet within its
borders resonates with the rich and noble history of New York State and
this nation; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend events which symbolize the historical, social and cultural
development of this great State and embody the spirit of the principles
upon which this nation was founded, and to applaud individuals who have
dedicated their life's work in support and furtherance of those
principles; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade to
be celebrated on Monday, May 29, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Proudly presented by the United War Veterans of Kings
County and President of the Borough of Brooklyn, Eric Adams, the
Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade kicks off promptly at 11 a.m. on 3rd Avenue
and 78th Street, and ends at John Paul Jones Park for a memorial
service, which features a wreath laying by Veteran Service
Organizations, the raising of our nation's flag, a 21-gun salute by the
Veterans Corps of Artillery, and the playing of "Taps"; and

WHEREAS, The United War Veterans of Kings County strives to educate
a diverse audience which includes veteran groups, civic organizations,
business leaders, educational institutions and the general public on the
importance of Memorial Day; and

WHEREAS, This is the sesquicentennial year that Brooklyn Veterans
have marched to remember all those who perished in selfless service to
our country; and

WHEREAS, 150 years ago, veterans from the Grand Army of the Republic
and active duty soldiers met to plan a memorial march to honor their
comrades who died during the Civil War; in 1867, participants marched in
the first parade route along Eastern Parkway; and

WHEREAS, Today, this patriotic parade consists of marching bands,
floats, military units, vintage automobiles, military vehicles, the
NYPD, the FDNY, the Veteran Corps of Artillery, the United States Air
Force Honor Guard, and West Point Band, as well as veterans from all of
our nation's conflicts; and

WHEREAS, On Memorial Day, observed annually on the last Monday of
the month of May, we honor those Americans who gave their lives in
defense of their country, whether in the Civil War which divided our
nation or in times of war since that time, and in times of peace, in
police actions and minor skirmishes, in peacekeeping roles and in

missions to foreign lands to uphold the cherished principles of liberty
and democracy upon which our grand Republic was founded; and

WHEREAS, As we observe and remember our deceased veterans on
Memorial Day, we recall their brave and noble deeds which have served to
maintain our most precious and cherished freedoms and honor those who
continue to work diligently to support and sustain them; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade on
May 29, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the United War Veterans of Kings County and Eric Adams,
President, Borough of Brooklyn.