Declare Model Aviation Day

August 11, 2018, as Model Aviation Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim August 11, 2018, as Model Aviation Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Model Aviation Day; and WHEREAS, Beginning with Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci's first designs of flying machines in the late 1400s, model aviation has become a respected hobby and a valuable educational tool; and WHEREAS, The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), a Congressionally recognized community-based organization, is an association of aeromodelers organized for the purposes of education, development, promotion, advancement and safeguarding of aeromodeling activities; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1936, AMA is the world's largest aeromodeling organization, representing 2,500 clubs and 188,000 members from every walk of life, income level, and age group; and WHEREAS, AMA's first headquarters was founded in New York State, and numerous national and international aeromodeling flight records have been accomplished in New York State; and WHEREAS, The first aeromodeling club in the United States was founded in New York State by noted aviator and educator Ms. E. Lilian Todd in New York City, in the year 1908, dedicated to arousing enthusiasm in aeronautics via model aircraft; and WHEREAS, Numerous AMA clubs across New York State conduct educational and public events, and support hospitals, food banks, animal shelters, veterans groups, first responders, disaster relief, Veterans Administration patient programs and numerous other charitable causes; and WHEREAS, AMA clubs across New York State will celebrate National Model Aviation Day on August 11, 2018, raising funds for Disabled American Veterans (DAV), an organization chartered by the United States Congress, and local New York State charities; and WHEREAS, National Model Aviation Day was created to encourage model aviation clubs and communities, to promote the hobby, and raise funds for worthy charitable causes; and WHEREAS, New York State AMA clubs will be holding National Model Aviation Day events on August 11, 2018, to inspire people of all ages to learn and experience the thrill and fantasy of flight; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim August 11, 2018, as Model Aviation Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Model Aviation Day, and to urge all New Yorkers to participate in and support activities involving model aviation events in their area; 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 AMA clubs across New York State.