Assembly Resolution No. 491

BY: M. of A. Sayegh

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
August 24, 2023, as Ukrainian-American Heritage Day
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues
that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, In full accord with its long-standing traditions, this
Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to
proclaim, Thursday, August 24, 2023, as Ukrainian-American Heritage Day
in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
Ukrainian Independence Day; and

WHEREAS, Ukraine Independence Day took place on August 24, 1991,
marking the Ukraine's declaration of independence from the U.S.S.R; and

WHEREAS, According to the 2020 census, the Ukrainian population in
the United States is over one million; in addition, New York State is
the state with the highest Ukrainian population with approximately
140,000 New Yorkers claiming Ukrainian heritage; and

WHEREAS, With the continued attacks from Russia on Ukraine, it is
imperative that we acknowledge the importance of Ukrainian Heritage and
Independence; New York State has also served as a place of refuge for
those seeking safety from this conflict; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of how important this issue is, especially
to New York, the federal government has granted the state $21.4 million
to help with the resettlement of Ukrainian refugees; these factors
combined provide the justification for a Ukrainian Heritage/Independence
Day; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the local,
State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 24, 2023, as
Ukrainian-American Heritage 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; St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yonkers, New York; and
the SUMA Federal Credit Union office in Yonkers, New York.