LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Lillian Lorraine Yonally upon the occa-
sion of her designation for special recognition as a distinguished
Veteran on June 10, 2014

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Lillian
Lorraine Yonally upon the occasion of her designation for special recog-
nition as a distinguished Veteran, to be celebrated on Tuesday, June 10,
2014, at the Albany County Office Building, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, The dedication and sacrifices of our military personnel
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and is a defender of liberty for peoples throughout the
world; and
WHEREAS, Lillian Lorraine Yonally honorably served from 1943 to 1944,
in the United States Women Air Force Service Pilots, a military program
known as WASPs; one of approximately 1,100 young women, the program
trained civilian volunteers to fly planes stateside to ensure men could
report overseas for combat duty; and
WHEREAS, The women were required to have previous flight experience
and they were stationed at 120 Army bases within the United States; and
WHEREAS, With a passion for flying planes, Lillian Lorraine Yonally
reported for training in Texas at the age of 21; upon completion of this
training, she began flying planes such as PT-19s, BT-15s, AT-6s, and
B-13s, B-15s, and B-25s; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, as part of her duties, Lillian Lorraine Yonally
towed targets behind her plane to enable gunners to practice, using live
ammunition; and
WHEREAS, The groundbreaking WASP program ended after just two years
due to male civilian pilots lobbying for their job, but not before
Lillian Lorraine Yonally and these other notable young women proved that
they could fly; and
WHEREAS, Lillian Lorraine Yonally has truly embraced her role in the
WASPs, traveling around the country to speak of her role in the war
effort; she also received the auspicious Congressional Gold Medal in a
ceremony on Capitol Hill in 2010; 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, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is very pleased to have this opportu-
nity to express its gratitude to the men and women of the United States
Armed Forces for their tremendous sacrifices made for our Nation and for
the benefit of all Americans; 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
honor Lillian Lorraine Yonally upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition as a distinguished Veteran on June 10, 2014; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Lillian Lorraine Yonally.