Assembly Resolution No. 257

BY: M. of A. Walsh

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        April 9, 2023, as Yellow Ribbon Day in the State  of
        New York

  WHEREAS,  This  Legislative  Body is justly proud to pay the highest
tribute to the members of the United States Armed Forces during times of
crisis who have so faithfully served their community  and  country  with
courage  and commitment contributing to the safety and welfare of others
and the preservation of the  freedoms  and  democratic  principles  upon
which this State and Nation are founded; and

  WHEREAS,  The  dedication  and  sacrifices of our military personnel
ensure our continued role as a  Nation  which  embodies  the  ideals  of
democracy, and which is a defender of liberty for peoples throughout the
world; and

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the  sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 9, 2023, as Yellow Ribbon Day in
the State of New York; and

  WHEREAS, Many  have  devoted  countless  hours  distributing  yellow
ribbons  around  the State of New York to heighten awareness and support
of our service men and women who are serving our country, in addition to
promoting unity and respect for those brave individuals who protect  our
freedom; and

  WHEREAS, The banner of freedom will always wave over our beloved New
York and all of America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave;
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, American former Prisoners of War are heroes  whose  service
to our country will never be forgotten; these brave men and women fought
for  their  country and endured cruelties and deprivation as they helped
to protect our Nation, and to liberate  millions  from  the  threats  of
tyranny and terror, advancing the cause of freedom worldwide; and

  WHEREAS, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a
very  high price for those serving in the military in times of conflict;
it is fitting and proper that we who are the beneficiaries of those  who
risk   their   lives,   leaving   their  families  behind,  express  our
appreciation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices  and  courageous
acts; and

  WHEREAS,   In   2006,  the  New  York  State  Legislature  began  to
commemorate Yellow Ribbon Day on April 9th  of  each  year  due  to  the
advocacy  of Halfmoon resident, Carol Pingelski Hotaling, commonly known
as "The Yellow Ribbon Lady;" and


  WHEREAS, US Army Staff Sergeant Maupin was the first POW of the Iraq
War;  he  was captured on April 9, 2004, and remains the inspiration for
this special, yet somber day, which serves as a reminder  of  all  those
who  serve  our country and deserve the recognition throughout our State
and Nation; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
memorialize  Governor  Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 9, 2023, as Yellow
Ribbon Day in the State of New York; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted  to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.