Assembly Resolution No. 859

BY: M. of A. Sepulveda

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
April 2018, as Russian American History Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, The history and participation of people of Russian heritage
in the American experience will be greatly enhanced and appreciated
through the observation of April 2018, as Russian American History Month
in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Individuals of Russian heritage such as: Ivan Turchaninov,
Union Army Brigadier General; Igor Sikorsky, inventor of the helicopter
and the multi-engine airplane; Sergei Rachmaninoff and Igor Stravinsky,
composers; Vladimir Zworykin, engineer and a pioneer of television
technology; Nikolai Timashev, sociologist; Michael Chekhov, actor; Boris
Backhmeteff, scientist and diplomat; Wasilly Leontieff, economist; Yul
Bryner and Kirk Douglas, Hollywood legends; Serge Brin, co-founder and
head of the Google Corporation; Irving Berlin, author of the song "God
Bless America"; and many others have made important contributions to the
State of New York, the United States, and the world; and

WHEREAS, The recognition of such significant contributions will
enhance the opportunities for Russian American youth to take pride in
their forebears and to identify with them as role models; and

WHEREAS, Better knowledge of the role of Russian Americans in the
history of the United States and of relations between Russia and America
can lead to more productive opportunities for all; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2018, as Russian
American History Month in the State of New York, and to urge all New
Yorkers that during this month there be active efforts to examine the
subject in public schools, colleges, universities and other venues and
that events and activities supporting interest and attention to Russian
American history and how Russian Americans have retained their cultural
identity while contributing significantly to the enrichment of New York
State and America be encouraged; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York; The Honorable Anton I. Antonov, Ambassador of the Russian
Federation to the United States; The Honorable Sergey K. Ovsyannikov,
Consul General of the Russian Federation in New York; His Eminence
Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York; Bishop John,
Administrator of the Patriarchal parishes in the USA; Dr. Olga
Zatsepina, President of Russian American Cultural Heritage Center
Inc.(RACH-C) and Chair of the Russian American History Month Coalition;
and Prince Vladimir Galitzine, President of Russian Nobility Association
in America.