STATE OF NEW YORK
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER
Proclamation
Whereas, New Yorkers proudly welcome events whose valued purpose is to preserve a cherished aspect of our State’s rich history and that are meaningful traditions for the communities in which they are celebrated, and it is appropriate to join in heralding the 60th Annual Albany Tulip Festival, a wonderful occasion for residents of the Capital Region and beyond; and
Whereas, the renowned “Gateway to Freedom” for immigrants to America, the Empire State has played a vital role in shaping this Nation since its earliest days as a Dutch colony; the City of Albany is, in fact, America’s oldest Dutch settlement, having been first inhabited by the Dutch in the early 1600s after its discovery by Henry Hudson in 1609, when he set out to voyage up the Hudson to explore the river later named for him and the lands bordering its pristine shores; and
Whereas, indeed, the customs and ways of the Dutch people became part of Albany’s history as, by 1664, nearly 10,000 Dutch were settled in Fort Orange when the English captured the fort and renamed it in honor of the Duke of Albany; and
Whereas, one of Albany’s oldest and most highly anticipated events, the annual Tulip Festival in historic Washington Park has honored this Dutch heritage each spring for the past 60 years, welcoming thousands to view nature’s spectacular color show while enjoying the music, art and food at this popular weekend event; and
Whereas, a beautiful background of tulips blooming in a myriad of colors and varieties greets the spring, and the hardy tulips symbolize the resilient spirit of the Dutch who endured long, cold winters for a life of freedom and self rule; and
Whereas, we are reminded that the venerable theme of this celebration originated in 1948, when Albany Mayor Erastus Corning passed a city ordinance calling for the designation of the tulip as Albany’s official flower and requested Queen Wilhelmina of Netherlands to name a variety as Albany’s tulip and, with her gracious agreement, a committee was formed to create a festival to celebrate Albany, and the inaugural event established such traditions as the “Scrubbing of State Street” and the crowning of Albany’s Tulip Queen, both of which continue today; and
Whereas, with this milestone celebration of the Albany Tulip Fest, we humbly honor our Dutch ancestors, knowing that their hardships, struggles and triumphs have enabled us to grow and flourish as the great Empire State, and we furthermore appreciate its meaningful role in the preservation of a valuable part of our heritage and history that has served to teach future generations about the Dutch presence and influence on the Capital Region;:
Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim proclaim May 9-11, 2008 as ALBANY TULIP FESTIVAL WEEKEND and join to express pride in this State’s Dutch heritage and offer best wishes to Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings, local government officials, organizers, supporters, and the entire community on the 60th Anniversary of this spectacular event.
G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this second day of May in the year two thousand eight.