K 614: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 23, 2025, as Poppy Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Poppy Day

 Assembly Resolution No. 614 BY: M. of A. Jones MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 23, 2025, 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 23, 2025, 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 23, 2025, 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; and American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts throughout the State of New York.