Assembly Resolution No. 176

BY: M. of A. Santabarbara

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 13, 2023, as K9 Veterans Day in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to declare
official days that are set aside to honor the valiant and courageous
service of the many K9 military dogs who have protected and served our
country throughout its birth and growth; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 13, 2023, as K9
Veterans Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with National K9
Veterans Day; and

WHEREAS, Many citizens and public officials from the State of New
York will observe K9 Veterans Day with numerous activities and programs,
remembering the thousands of dogs who have served the United States of
America with honor, dignity and valor; and

WHEREAS, The official K9 Corps was created on March 13, 1942, by
Joseph J. White, a retired Military Working Dog handler and founder of
this significant day, who pioneered a nationwide effort to get the
entire country to recognize March 13th as K9 Veterans Day; and

WHEREAS, These remarkable dogs have served at many jobs in all of
our wars, having been employed by the United States Military from World
War I to present conflicts; and

WHEREAS, To this day, dogs continue to serve on our borders and
abroad every day, on both land and sea; many New York State residents
actively participate in and engage in K9 training and operational
activities to assist the United States Military; and

WHEREAS, Due to the current war on terror, such dogs as Customs
Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Border Patrol Dogs, Police Dogs, Secret
Service Dogs and many more will be included with the Military Working
Dogs in this recognition as they also help protect and serve our
country; and

WHEREAS, It is well-known that K9 dogs are loyal, loving, and
devoted, and they have knowingly placed themselves in harm's way, making
the ultimate sacrifice by laying down their lives for their partners;
and

WHEREAS, It is appropriate for this Legislative Body to commend
these dogs and to recognize their contributions by observing K9 Veterans
Day, honoring the past and present canines for their valuable service
and protection; they truly deserve to be remembered by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 13, 2023, as K9
Veterans Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.