Senate Resolution No. 793

BY: Senator SEPULVEDA

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
April 2019, as Russian American History Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, The history and participation of people of Russian heritage
in the American experience will be greatly enhanced and appreciated
through the observation of April 2019, as Russian American History Month
in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Individuals of Russian heritage such as: Ivan Turchaninov,
Union Army Brigadier General; Igor Sikorsky, inventor of the helicopter
and the multi-engine airplane; Sergei Rachmaninoff and Igor Stravinsky,
composers; Vladimir Zworkin, engineer and a pioneer of television
technology; Nikolai Timashev, sociologist; Michael Chekhov, actor; Boris
Backhmeteff, scientist and diplomat; Wasilly Leontiev, economist; Yul
Bryner and Kirk Douglas, Hollywood legends; Serge Brin, co-founder and
head of the Google Corporation; Irving Berlin, author of the song "God
Bless America," Alexander Ovechkin, Captain, Washington Capitals,
National Hockey League; Vladimir Zvorikin, physicist; and many others
have made important contributions to the United States and the world;
and

WHEREAS, The recognition of such significant contributions will
enhance the opportunities for Russian American youth to take pride in
their forebears and to identify with them as role models; and

WHEREAS, Better knowledge of the role of all immigrant groups,
including Russian Americans, in the history of the United States can
lead to more productive opportunities for all; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2019, as Russian
American History Month in the State of New York, and to urge that during
this month there be active efforts to examine the subject in public
schools, colleges, universities and other venues and that events and
activities supporting interest and attention to Russian American history
and how Russian Americans have retained their cultural identity while
contributing significantly to the enrichment of New York State and
America be encouraged; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York and to The Honorable Anatoly I. Antonov, Ambassador of the
Russian Federation to the United States; The Honorable Sergey K.
Ovsyanikov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in New York; His
Grace Matthew, Bishop of Sourozh, Interim Administrator the Patriarchal
Parishes in USA; His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America
and New York; Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard), Orthodox Church in America;
Dr. Olga Zatsepina, President of Russian American Cultural Heritage
Center Inc.( RACH-C) and Chair, Russian American History Month
Coalition; Mr. John Pouschine, President, Russian Nobility Association
in America (RNA); Mrs. Tatiana Zacharin- Geringer, Chief Scoutmaster of

St. George Pathfinders ( ORUR); and Mrs. Marena Maltsev, President
American - Russian Aid Association, Otrada, Inc.