Assembly Resolution No. 294

BY: M. of A. Maher

COMMEMORATING the 1st Annual Honor Flight Day in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so faithfully and courageously in wars in which our
Nation's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
during peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body;
and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
1st Annual Honor Flight Day in the State of New York, to be observed at
an event at the Capitol in Albany on Tuesday, April 18, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Honor Flights are an opportunity to recognize and thank the
Americans who secured our freedom by bringing them to the Nation's
capital to see the memorials that commemorate their service, giving them
a hero's welcome every step of the way; and

WHEREAS, Established in 2005 by Jeff Miller and Earl Morse, Honor
Flight Network is a national nonprofit organization comprised of
independent hubs working together to achieve the Honor Flight mission;
our Nation's meritorious veterans always travel free of charge, thanks
to generous donations to this vital non-profit organization; and

WHEREAS, Participation in an Honor Flight trip gives veterans the
opportunity to share this momentous occasion with other comrades,
remember the fallen, and share their stories and experiences with other
veterans; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Honor Flight Network commends those who served
during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and veterans of
any service era who are critically ill; and

WHEREAS, Each year, the Honor Flight Network helps make it possible
for about 22,000 veterans to travel to Washington D.C.; since its
inception, approximately 275,000 veterans from all services from more
than 130 locations across the country have taken the flight; and

WHEREAS, In New York State alone, more than 5,000 members of our
armed services have fulfilled their wish of visiting our Nation's
capital and all its sites and memorials honoring our country's great
history; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Honor Flight Network is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its Chief Executive Director Meredith
Rosenbeck and her staff and volunteers, whose involvement is, and always
has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled

enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the institution and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these brave men and women of our military have demonstrated their love
for their country and merit forevermore, the highest respect of their
State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 1st Annual Honor Flight Day in the State of New York;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Meredith Rosenbeck, Chief Executive Officer, Honor Flight
Network.