Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 22, 2026, as Poppy Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Poppy Day

Assembly Resolution No. 1429

BY: M. of A. Rules (Cashman)

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        May 22, 2026, as Poppy Day in the State of New York,
        in conjunction with the observance of National Poppy
        Day

  WHEREAS, This  Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to  memorialize
Governor  Kathy  Hochul  to  proclaim  May 22, 2026, as Poppy Day in the
State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National  Poppy
Day; and

  WHEREAS,  Poppies  are  worn  and displayed as a symbolic tribute to
fallen and future veterans and members of the Armed Forces; and

  WHEREAS, The use of the poppy symbolically comes from the  poem  "In
Flanders Fields," which movingly begins, "In Flanders Fields the poppies
blow,  between  the  crosses, row on row," referring to the poppies that
sprang up in the battlefields and newly dug soldiers' graves in parts of
Belgium and France during World War I; and

  WHEREAS, The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign  Wars  have
adopted the poppy as a symbol of freedom and the blood shed by those who
served in the United States Armed Forces; and

  WHEREAS,  The  red poppy has been worn in the United States for more
than 80 years as a way to remember those individuals who  died  fighting
for  freedom  and  democracy around the world and to raise money to help
disabled veterans; and

  WHEREAS, The poppy is  worn  throughout  the  world  to  commemorate
members  of  the Armed Forces who have died in the line of duty, as part
of Remembrance  Day,  Armistice  Day,  or  Poppy  Day  ceremonies;  now,
therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 22, 2026, as Poppy Day
in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Poppy Day, to ensure all New Yorkers remember those who have fought  for
our country's freedom; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  copies  of  this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of  New
York;  Commander  John  R.  Miga,  The American Legion Department of New
York; and Commander James MacArthur, Veterans of Foreign Wars Department
of New York.