Declare Ellis Island Day

April 17, 2018, as Ellis Island Family History Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to increase awareness of moments in history which affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 17, 2018, as Ellis Island Family History Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Ellis Island Family History Day; and WHEREAS, Ellis Island, in Upper New York Bay, was the gateway for millions of immigrants to the United States as the nation's busiest immigrant inspection station from 1892 until 1924; and WHEREAS, On this day in 1907, just under 12,000 names were recorded as passing through Ellis Island; during all of 1907, more than one million immigrants were processed through Ellis Island; and WHEREAS, On April 17, 2001, the first National Ellis Island Family History Day was observed; it was by official proclamation of our nation's governors that April 17 be designated as National Ellis Island Family History Day; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of the history of our State and Nation, and more must be done to increase awareness at the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 17, 2018, as Ellis Island Family History 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 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.