Honor Russian American Heritage

Senate Resolution No. 2927 BY: Senator JACKSON MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2020, as Russian American History Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, 2020 marks the 75th Anniversary of a most important historical moment, the end of World War II; soldiers of the allied forces of the USA and the Soviet Union met on April 25, 1945, at the Elbe River in Germany, signaling the end of the threat of Nazi dominance over the free world; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2020, as Russian American History Month in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Awareness of the historical and cultural contributions of Russian and Russian speaking Americans from the former Russian Empire or Soviet Union will be greatly enhanced and appreciated through Russian American History Month; and WHEREAS, Individuals of such heritage like: Igor Sikorsky, inventor of the helicopter and the multi-engine airplane; Sergei Rachmaninoff and Igor Stravinsky, composers; Vladimir Zworykin, engineer and a pioneer of television technology; Nikolai Timashev, sociologist; Michael Chekhov, Yul Bryner and Kirk Douglas, actors/Hollywood legends; Boris Backhmeteff, scientist and diplomat; Wasilly Leontiev, economist; Serge Brin, co-founder and head of the Google Corporation; Irving Berlin, author of the song "God Bless America"; Alexander Ovechkin, Captain, Washington Capitals, National Hockey League; and many others have made important contributions to the United States and the world; and WHEREAS, Recognition of such significant contributions will enhance the opportunities for their progeny to take pride in their forebears and to identify with them as role models; and WHEREAS, Better knowledge of the role of Russian Americans in the history of the United States and of relations between Russia and America can lead to more productive opportunities for all; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2020, as Russian American History Month in the State of New York, and to urge that during this month there be active efforts to examine the subject in public schools, colleges, universities and other venues, and that events and activities supporting interest and attention to Russian American history and how this community has retained their cultural identity while contributing significantly to the enrichment of New York State and America; 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; His Grace Matthew, Bishop of Sourozh, Interim Administrator, Patriarchal Parishes in USA; His Eminence Hilarion, Bishop, Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York of Eastern America and New York; Dr. Olga Zatsepina, President, Russian American Cultural Heritage Center Inc. (RACH-C) and Chair, Russian American History Month Coalition; John Pouschine, President, Russian Nobility Association in America (RNA); and Countess Tatiana Bobrinskoy, Grand Chancellor, Knights of the Orthodox Order of St John Russian Grand Priory.