STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

Whereas, people of all backgrounds benefit from life in this great country of ours – a life that guarantees freedom, equality and justice – and during this time of year, we pause to bear in mind the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served in our Nation’s armed forces throughout its history as we observe Memorial Day 2009; and

Whereas, Memorial Day originated as a tender and loving gesture of remembrance with residents of the Upstate New York community of Waterloo placing freshly blossomed wild flowers on the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers; and

Whereas, the idea of honoring our Nation’s fallen patriots – born on a Spring day in May, 143 years ago – evolved into a nationwide observance and, today, the last Monday in May is set aside each year to pay tribute to those who died in service to our country; and

Whereas, on Memorial Day 2009, as we remember with pride and appreciation those who gave their life for America, we are well aware of the tens of thousands of our sons and daughters who are presently at war fighting an enemy blindly committed to destroying our cherished way of life and the freedom of others struggling to embrace liberty and justice; and

Whereas, New York is rightfully proud of the selfless service and sacrifice of its citizens whose spirit, patriotism and valor has been displayed in every war and conflict of our Nation and, today, it is visible in those serving on the battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in other military operations at home and around the world; and

Whereas, as we honor our fallen heroes this Memorial Day, we find inspiration in the men and women who gave their life for the cause of liberty – a cause for which generations of Americans have served, despite the tremendous risks to one’s personal well-being; to date, more than 340 New Yorkers have died in the war in Iraq and the war against terrorism, their names now added to the honor roll of patriots who willingly made the ultimate sacrifice in service to America; and

Whereas, on Memorial Day 2009 let us honor our war dead, let us also remember those who placed themselves in harm’s way and fortunately returned home to their families and communities, and let us pray for those who are currently at war, bravely protecting our country and our freedoms, fighting valiantly to rid the world of terrorists intent on destroying our cherished way of life;

Now, Therefore, I David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim May 25, 2009 as

MEMORIAL DAY

in the Empire State and encourage all citizens to preserve the tradition of remembering our most noble, courageous and patriotic citizens who gave their lives in service to our 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 twelfth day of May in the year two thousand nine.

David A. Paterson
Governor

Lawrence Schwartz
Secretary to the Governor