Commemorating May 25, 2026, as Memorial Day

Assembly Resolution No. 1471

BY: M. of A. Griffin

        COMMEMORATING May 25, 2026, as Memorial Day

  WHEREAS,  Memorial  Day, first observed as Decoration Day on May 30,
1868, was an occasion to decorate the graves of Civil War soldiers; and

  WHEREAS, After World War I, Decoration Day  was  expanded  to  honor
service members who were killed in all our Nation's wars; and

  WHEREAS, After World War II, Decoration Day became known as Memorial
Day, and in 1971, the United States Congress established Memorial Day as
a federal holiday to be observed on the last Monday in May; and

  WHEREAS, In 1873, New York State officially recognized Memorial Day,
becoming the first state to take such action; and

  WHEREAS,  In  the  year 2000, the United States Congress established
3:00 PM as the National Moment of Silence each Memorial Day; and

  WHEREAS, It is important  to  reflect  upon  the  contributions  and
sacrifices  the  men  and women of our armed forces have made, upholding
the principles of democracy and liberty while in service  to  our  State
and Nation; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate Memorial Day,  May  25,  2026,  fully  confident  that  such
commemoration  clearly depicts the important reason for Memorial Day and
encourages all residents of the State of New York to honor those men and
women who have lost their lives while serving to protect our Nation  and
State.