J 460: Commemorating the 3rd Annual Honor Flight Day in the State of New York

 Senate Resolution No. 460 BY: Senator ASHBY COMMEMORATING the 3rd Annual Honor Flight Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who have served so faithfully and courageously in wars in which our Nation's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace during peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage with which these men and women served 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 3rd Annual Honor Flight Day in the State of New York, to be observed on Wednesday, March 19, 2025; and WHEREAS, Honor Flights are an opportunity to recognize and thank the Americans who secured our freedom by bringing them to the Nation's capital to see the memorials that commemorate their service, giving them a hero's welcome every step of the way; and WHEREAS, Established in 2005 by Jeff Miller and Earl Morse, Honor Flight Network is a national nonprofit organization comprised of independent hubs working together to achieve the Honor Flight mission; our Nation's meritorious veterans always travel free of charge, thanks to generous donations to this vital non-profit organization; and WHEREAS, Participation in an Honor Flight trip gives veterans the opportunity to share this momentous occasion with other comrades, remember the fallen, and share their stories and experiences with other veterans; and WHEREAS, Currently, Honor Flight Network commends those who served during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and veterans of any service era who are critically ill; and WHEREAS, Each year, the Honor Flight Network helps make it possible for about 22,000 veterans to travel to Washington D.C.; since its inception, approximately 275,000 veterans from all services from more than 130 locations across the country have taken the flight; and WHEREAS, In New York State alone, more than 5,000 members of our armed services have fulfilled their wish of visiting our Nation's capital and all its sites and memorials honoring our country's great history; and WHEREAS, The success of the Honor Flight Network is in direct correlation to the efforts of its Chief Executive Director Meredith Rosenbeck and her staff and volunteers, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the institution and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad, these brave men and women of our military have demonstrated their love for their country and merit forevermore, the highest respect of their State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans 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 commemorate the 3rd Annual Honor Flight Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Meredith Rosenbeck, Chief Executive Officer, Honor Flight Network.