The New York State Senate

J2927

Senate Resolution No. 2927

BY: Senator JACKSON

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
April 2020, as Russian American History Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, 2020 marks the 75th Anniversary of a most important
historical moment, the end of World War II; soldiers of the allied
forces of the USA and the Soviet Union met on April 25, 1945, at the
Elbe River in Germany, signaling the end of the threat of Nazi dominance
over the free world; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2020, as Russian American
History Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Awareness of the historical and cultural contributions of
Russian and Russian speaking Americans from the former Russian Empire or
Soviet Union will be greatly enhanced and appreciated through Russian
American History Month; and

WHEREAS, Individuals of such heritage like: 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,
Yul Bryner and Kirk Douglas, actors/Hollywood legends; Boris
Backhmeteff, scientist and diplomat; Wasilly Leontiev, economist; Serge
Brin, co-founder and head of the Google Corporation; Irving Berlin,
author of the song "God Bless America"; Alexander Ovechkin, Captain,
Washington Capitals, National Hockey League; and many others have made
important contributions to the United States and the world; and

WHEREAS, Recognition of such significant contributions will enhance
the opportunities for their progeny 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 2020, as Russian
American History Month in the State of New York, and to urge 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 this community has retained their cultural identity while
contributing significantly to the enrichment of New York State and
America; 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; His Grace Matthew, Bishop of Sourozh, Interim Administrator,
Patriarchal Parishes in USA; His Eminence Hilarion, Bishop, Russian
Orthodox Church Outside Russia, Metropolitan of Eastern America and New

York of Eastern America and New York; Dr. Olga Zatsepina, President,
Russian American Cultural Heritage Center Inc. (RACH-C) and Chair,
Russian American History Month Coalition; John Pouschine, President,
Russian Nobility Association in America (RNA); and Countess Tatiana
Bobrinskoy, Grand Chancellor, Knights of the Orthodox Order of St John
Russian Grand Priory.