Senate Resolution No. 478

BY: Senator COMRIE

COMMENDING the Veterans Advisory Committee and the
Veterans and Women's Auxiliary upon the occasion of
hosting a Military Black History Month Celebration
on February 23, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
important events which remind us of the rich and diverse heritage of our
great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Veterans Advisory Committee and the Veterans and Women's
Auxiliary upon the occasion of hosting, in partnership with VFW Post
1896 and American Legion Post 483 Rosedale, a Military Black History
Month Celebration on Thursday, February 23, 2017, at the American Legion
Post 483 in Rosedale, New York; and

WHEREAS, Black History Month, previously known as Negro History
Week, was founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, and was first celebrated on
February 1, 1926; since 1976, it has become a nationally recognized
month-long celebration, held each year during the month of February to
acknowledge and pay tribute to African-Americans neglected by both
society and the history books; and

WHEREAS, Black History Month is a time to reflect on the struggles
and victories of African-Americans throughout our country's history and
to recognize their numerous valuable contributions to the protection of
our democratic society in war and in peace; and

WHEREAS, With February designated as Black History Month, the
Veterans Advisory Committee and the Veterans and Women's Auxiliary will
gather together to reflect on the contributions of African American and
Caribbean American soldiers, tell tales of African American achievement,
valor and sacrifice, and recognize the ongoing contributions of African
Americans to our Nation's military; and

WHEREAS, For more than 200 years, African Americans have
participated in every conflict in United States history; these brave
soldiers have not only fought the common enemies of the United States
but have also had to confront the individual and institutional racism of
their countrymen; and

WHEREAS, Over the last two centuries, many African Americans have
served the United States military with distinction, but have also had to
do it in a national climate which was not always accepting of their
backgrounds or skin color; from Crispus Attucks in the Revolutionary
War, to the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II, to today's military
leaders, African Americans have made an indelible impact on American's
military forces, and played a crucial role in its successes; 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to pay the highest
tribute to the valiant service displayed by the African American members
of the United States Armed Forces who bravely fought in every war by or
within the United States, including the Revolutionary War, the War of
1812, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War,
the World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the
wars in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as other minor conflicts during
times of great crisis; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved with great respect and
reverent esteem, and, on behalf of all of the citizens of the Empire
State, to renew its tribute to the African American men and women of New
York State who so courageously served their State and Nation in defense
of freedom and democracy; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Veterans Advisory Committee and the Veterans and Women's
Auxiliary upon the occasion of hosting a Military Black History Month
Celebration; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Veterans Advisory Committee and the Veterans and
Women's Auxiliary.