K 313: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 6, 2025, as Danish American Heritage Day in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 313 BY: M. of A. Jensen MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 6, 2025, as Danish American Heritage Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in keeping with its long-standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to applaud and commemorate events which foster ethnic pride and exemplify the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the spirit of the people and the State of New York; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 6, 2025, as Danish American Heritage Day in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, New York State is home to more than 27,000 people of Danish ancestry, making up nearly one-tenth of one percent of the state's population, with approximately 1.1 million individuals with Danish heritage nationwide; and WHEREAS, The United States and the Kingdom of Denmark share, and enjoy, a close relationship that is built upon a mutual commitment to democracy, freedom, trade, rule of law, security, and prosperity, with the cooperation of both nation's military, economy and politics serving as the basis of an enduring partnership; and WHEREAS, The first Danes in New York were aboard the Halve Maen, the ship of Henry Hudson, which sailed into New York Harbor in 1609; later, the majority of Danish immigrants originally settled in New York City and other port cities to work as shipping agents, suppliers, and ship builders before settling towards Midwestern farmland; and WHEREAS, New York serves as the home of one of the most prominent Danish American heritage organizations, the Danish American Chamber of Commerce, which seeks to provide their members with networking opportunities, mentoring, and serve as the preferred business network for the Danish American business community; and WHEREAS, New York is home to the Danish Seamen's Church in Brooklyn, which serves as the spiritual outpost for Danes living in New York, providing religious, social, and cultural opportunities for all people with relations with Denmark; and WHEREAS, One of the most prominent Danish-New Yorkers was Jacob Riis, who as a social reformer and pioneer of investigatory journalism helped to expose the living conditions in New York City's tenement housing at the turn of the 20th century in his book, How the Other Half Lives, leading to the first significant state legislation reducing the evils of tenement houses; and WHEREAS, The celebration of Danish American Heritage Day will contribute to the Danish-American experience in the State of New York and help further the preservation and enhancement of the Danish culture and heritage, adding so much to the rich mosaic of which our great State and Nation are comprised; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 6, 2025, as Danish American Heritage 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 Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.