Honor K9 Veterans Day

March 13, 2019, as K9 Veterans Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to declare official days that are set aside to honor the valiant and courageous service of the many K9 military dogs who have protected and served our country throughout its birth and growth; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 13, 2019, as K9 Veterans Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with National K9 Veterans Day; and WHEREAS, Many citizens and public officials from the State of New York will observe K9 Veterans Day with numerous activities and programs, remembering the thousands of dogs who have served the United States of America with honor, dignity and valor; and WHEREAS, The official K9 Corps was created on March 13, 1942, by Joseph J. White, a retired Military Working Dog handler and founder of this significant day, who pioneered a nationwide effort to get the entire country to recognize March 13th as K9 Veterans Day; and WHEREAS, These remarkable dogs have served at many jobs in all of our wars, having been employed by the United States Military from World War I to present conflicts; and WHEREAS, To this day, dogs continue to serve on our borders and abroad every day, on both land and sea; many New York State residents actively participate in and engage in K9 training and operational activities to assist the United States Military; and WHEREAS, Due to the current war on terror, such dogs as Customs Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Border Patrol Dogs, Police Dogs, Secret Service Dogs and many more will be included with the Military Working Dogs in this recognition as they also help protect and serve our country; and WHEREAS, It is well-known that K9 dogs are loyal, loving, and devoted, and they have knowingly placed themselves in harm's way, making the ultimate sacrifice by laying down their lives for their partners; and WHEREAS, It is appropriate for this Legislative Body to commend these dogs and to recognize their contributions by observing K9 Veterans Day, honoring the past and present canines for their valuable service and protection; they truly deserve to be remembered by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 13, 2019, as K9 Veterans 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.