LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 24, 2016, as Irish Republic Day in the State of New York,
in remembrance of the 1916 Easter Rising and commemorating its 100th
Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize those organizations which foster
ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which
strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 24, 2016, as Irish Republic Day in the
State of New York, in remembrance of the 1916 Easter Rising and commem-
orating its 100th Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, On Easter Monday, April 24, 1916, Irish patriots, supported
by exiled children in America, proclaimed Ireland's ancient right to
freedom; they rebelled in Dublin against the might of the British
Empire, and, despite the Rising being crushed and its leaders executed,
events began which won freedom for 26 of Ireland's 32 counties in an
Irish Republic; and
WHEREAS, It is particularly fitting that the 1916 Easter Rising be
commemorated due to its historic and indispensable part which Ireland's
exiled children in America played in the Rising; and
WHEREAS, The Ancient Order of Hibernians, the oldest and largest
Irish-American organization, is dedicated to perpetuating the history
and traditions of the Irish people, and to promoting freedom for all of
Ireland which aims are deeply connected to the 1916 Easter Rising and
Proclamation; and
WHEREAS, New York State is home to a large population of Irish Ameri-
cans who have made significant contributions to the freedom, liberty,
culture, and economic well-being to both the State of New York and the
Nation as a whole; and
WHEREAS, The reasoning behind designating the anniversary of the 1916
Easter Rising of the Irish Republic as Republic Day is that it would
serve as a day of remembrance, understanding and celebration of that
momentous event, and of the selfless heroism and integrity of the women
and men involved in that strike for freedom; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to observe those
cultural events of true purpose and worthy accomplishment that provide
opportunities to celebrate their rich ethnic flavor and which strive to
preserve their heritage; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 24, 2016, as
Irish Republic Day in the State of New York, in remembrance of the 1916
Easter Rising; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.