Assembly Resolution No. 2331 BY: M. of A. Rules (Sayegh) MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 28, 2024, as Albanian-American Heritage Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to all who foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which thereby strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 28, 2024, as Albanian-American Heritage Day in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Albania fought for its cultural and political autonomy from the Ottoman rule and were successful on November 28, 1912; as is typical of New York, the state has served as a place for many to come in search of opportunities for upward mobility; this has remained consistent for Albanian-Americans as there are an estimated 500,000 Albanians in New York according to a CUNY report; and WHEREAS, The United States and Albania continue to have a stable relationship as they are involved in many of the same organizations; Albania joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 2009 which continued to strengthen the foreign relationship; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to acknowledge various cultures of people who add to the overall diversity of our State, and, on this occasion, we take the opportunity to recognize the contributions made by the Albanian-American community and extend best wishes to all of its members as they hold appropriate ceremonies to commemorate this historic milestone; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 28, 2024, as Albanian-American Heritage 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.