Honor Floral Park Armed Forces

18, 2019 WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have served in times of peace; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Village of South Floral Park, New York, upon the occasion of hosting its 29th Annual United States Armed Forces Day Celebration on Saturday, May

18, 2019; and WHEREAS, Armed Forces Day is a day to appreciate all active duty service members; it is observed annually on the third Saturday of May; the theme for 2019 is "For the Nation. For the People."; and WHEREAS, Many events across the United States take place on Armed Forces Day to honor Americans in uniform who served their country in times of war and peace; under the luminous leadership of Mayor Geoffrey N. Prime, South Floral Park's celebration will feature powerful speeches by several local dignitaries; and WHEREAS, Those who are honored on this day include people who serve the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard; National Guard and Reserve units may celebrate Armed Forces Day/Week over any period in May because of their unique training schedules; and WHEREAS, On August 31, 1949, Armed Forces Day was created by Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force holidays; and WHEREAS, On February 27, 1950, President Harry S. Truman proclaimed "Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America's defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, towards the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense."; and WHEREAS, Festivities for the very first Armed Forces Day began the week before the holiday; on the actual day, B-36 bombers flew over the capitals of every state, 10,000 troops and veterans marched in Washington, D.C., and more than 36,000 people participated in a parade in New York City; and WHEREAS, In addition, Americans across the country honored our meritorious members of the United States military with local parades, air shows, receptions and other celebrations; and WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage with which these men and women serve 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, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad, these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit forevermore, the highest respect of their State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Our Nation's armed forces deserve to be recognized, commended and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the Village of South Floral Park, New York, upon the occasion of hosting its 29th Annual United States Armed Forces Day Celebration on