Assembly Resolution No. 195

BY: M. of A. Chang

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 3, 2023, as Navy Reserve Day in the State of
New York, in conjunction with the 108th Anniversary
of the establishment of the Navy Reserve

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate
special days in honor of the people, organizations, and institutions
that represent the best of New York State and of our Nation; 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 3, 2023, as Navy
Reserve Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the 108th
Anniversary of the establishment of the Navy Reserve; and

WHEREAS, Navy Reserve Day commemorates the establishment of the
United States Navy Reserve in 1915, and is celebrated annually by Navy
Reservists, military families, and veterans of the Navy Reserves on
March 3rd of each year; and

WHEREAS, Legislation was passed by the United States Congress to
establish the United States Navy Reserve, originally known as the United
States Federal Naval Reserve and later as the United States Naval
Reserve Force (USNRF), on March 3rd of 1915 in anticipation of the
United States' entry into World War I; and

WHEREAS, Over 2,000,000 United States service members were
transported to the European theatre of World War I with the help of the
United States Naval Reserve Force, with USNRF personnel making up over
half of the overall United States Naval Force by the end of World War I
and nearly 85 percent of the United States Naval Force by the end of
World War II; and

WHEREAS, What is today known as the United States Navy Reserve has
its roots in the American Revolution, when citizens of the seaside town
of Machias, Maine and the surrounding countryside commandeered the
loyalist ship Unity to engage the HMS Margaretta of the British Navy,
defeating her in the first naval battle of the American Revolution,
capturing the vessel, and sailing her under the name Machias Liberty for
future engagements in the American Revolution; and

WHEREAS, Citizen-sailors have answered their Nation's call and
fought valiantly on behalf of the United States and her people in nearly
every armed conflict in American history; and

WHEREAS, Five presidents of the United States, 15 Medal of Honor
recipients, and countless patriots have served their Nation with dignity
and distinction in the United States Navy Reserve; and

WHEREAS, The strength and stability of the United States of America
relies upon a disciplined and committed citizenry to stand in the breach
when our Nation and her interests are imperiled; and

WHEREAS, The United States Navy Reserve is one of the primary ways
our Nation cultivates a body of well-prepared patriots to call upon
during her time of need; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body encourages all New Yorkers to serve
their community and their Nation in some capacity, and should commend
all who have sworn an oath to do so; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 3, 2023, as Navy
Reserve Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York, and the Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United
States of America and Commander in Chief of the United States Armed
Forces.