STATE OF NEW YORK
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER
Proclamation
Whereas, New York State holds all veterans in the highest regard and takes pride in the selfless sacrifices made by American patriots who have defended our Nation with great honor, fighting in the name of freedom and prevailing over forces of tyranny during various conflicts in our history, and we recognize the remarkable service of those distinguished members of the 369th Infantry Regiment of the New York Army National Guard – known as the “Harlem Hell Fighters” – with this celebration of the 51st Annual Parade hosted by the 369th Veterans Association and 369th Historical Society; and
Whereas, throughout this country’s history, many brave African Americans have answered the call to military duty and a longstanding tradition of pride is firmly rooted in the noteworthy service of the 369th Infantry Regiment whose members have been active in every American conflict since World War I, strengthening our reputation as the standard bearer of protection for freedom and democracy; and
Whereas, those who earned respect as members of this elite branch are hailed among our greatest heroes of World War I, as they fought in defense of democracy as an integral part of the French 4th Army, battling in many major campaigns of the war, including the Argonne Forest, and subsequently capturing the important village of Sechaultt, for which the French government awarded the regiment the Croix de Guerre with silver star; and
Whereas, the noble men of the 369th Regiment fought for the rights of all Americans and, while confronting racism and discrimination at home as well as in the armed forces, they rose to overcome challenges and assumed a significant role in the allied victory of World War I – and with skill, courage and indomitable spirit, the 369th helped change the course of American history as they were crucial in winning the war and in breaking down walls of segregation in the military; and
Whereas, on Sunday, May 17, 2009, New York City’s Fifth Avenue will set the stage for the 51st Annual Parade of the 369th at which the legacy of all members will be honored and those veterans who have recently returned home from Iraq and Afghanistan will receive a fitting and stately welcome home, as they have established military records that are nothing less than exemplary, having performed their duties with the highest degree of professionalism, capability and proficiency; and
Whereas, all New Yorkers value the service of the those who comprised the proud ranks of the 369th Infantry Regiment of the New York Army National Guard and join to commend and congratulate its members, their families, and the 369th Veterans Association and 369th Historical Society as all gather for this 51st Annual Parade;
Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim May 17, 2009 as
369TH REGIMENT 51ST ANNUAL PARADE DAY
and offer a special expression of gratitude to all of veteran members with sincere appreciation to those recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan for your personal sacrifice and service to our great Nation.
G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this fourth day of May in the year two thousand nine.
David A. Paterson
Governor
Lawrence Schwartz
Secretary to the Governor