Senate Resolution No. 3808

BY: Senator GALLIVAN

COMMEMORATING the adoption of the Constitution of
the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth on May 3, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which
comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community
of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of the Polish-Lithuanian
Commonwealth on May 3, 2018; and

WHEREAS, The celebration of the adoption of the Constitution of the
Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth on May 3, 2018, affirms the culture,
identity and self-esteem of a people; it honors a rich heritage and
illuminates Poland's history and tradition, as well as the spirit of an
indomitable people; and

WHEREAS, The people of this great State and Nation and Poland enjoy
a deep and abiding relationship rooted in kinship and culture, and many
New Yorkers proudly trace their own roots to Poland; and

WHEREAS, The Constitution of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was
officially adopted on May 3, 1791; it was modern Europe's first codified
national constitution and the second in the world, following the
American one; both of these important documents stand as symbols of
patriotism and resolve and express the same shared hopes for freedom and
self-determination; and

WHEREAS, Only two days after the Constitution had been passed by the
Grand Sejm (Polish Parliament), the 3rd of May was established as a
national holiday; banned during the partitions of Poland, it was
reestablished after the fall of communism in modern Poland, and
officially became a holiday after the country regained its freedom in
1918; and

WHEREAS, In 1946, while under the communist regime during World War
II, public celebration of the holiday was forbidden, and attempts of
manifestations were suppressed by the authorities; in 1951, the holiday
was summarily outlawed; and

WHEREAS, After the fall of communism, the 3rd of May was restored as
an official Polish holiday in April of 1990; almost two decades later,
the day was also declared a Lithuanian national holiday; the first joint
celebration by the Polish Sejm and the Lithuanian Seimas took place on
May 3, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Today, the 3rd of May is truly a day of celebration for the
people of Poland; citizens take the day off from work and gather
together to recognize their proud heritage through various events such
as a 5km Constitution Run, family picnics, parades, and spring concerts;
and


WHEREAS, The commemoration of the Constitution of the
Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth on May 3, 2018, provides an opportunity
to recognize the significance of their contributions to the quality and
character of life, and, through events and activities, allows all people
to gain a greater appreciation of Poland's history and traditions, and
of the role Poles have played, and will continue to play, in our
society; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity
to recognize such events of significance which foster ethnic pride and
exemplify the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the
fabric of the people and the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of the Polish-Lithuanian
Commonwealth on May 3, 2018.