Honor Military Black History Month

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

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.