Assembly Resolution No. 1196
BY: M. of A. Maher
COMMEMORATING the 4th Annual Honor Flight Day in
the State of New York
WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so faithfully and courageously in wars in which our
Nation's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
during peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body;
and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
4th Annual Honor Flight Day in the State of New York, to be observed on
Wednesday, April 22, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Honor Flights are an opportunity to recognize and thank the
Americans who secured our freedom by bringing them to the Nation's
capital to see the memorials that commemorate their service, giving them
a hero's welcome every step of the way; and
WHEREAS, Established in 2005 by Jeff Miller and Earl Morse, Honor
Flight Network is a national nonprofit organization composed of
independent hubs working together to achieve the Honor Flight mission;
our Nation's meritorious veterans always travel free of charge, thanks
to generous donations to this vital non-profit organization; and
WHEREAS, In the State of New York, this noble mission is advanced
through the dedicated efforts of numerous regional Honor Flight hubs,
including Big Apple Honor Flight, Honor Flight Long Island, Hudson
Valley Honor Flight, Patriot Flight Albany, Leatherstocking Honor
Flight, Honor Flight Syracuse, Twin Tiers Honor Flight, North Country
Honor Flight, Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight, and Honor Flight Rochester,
whose volunteers and supporters work tirelessly to ensure that veterans
from every corner of the State are afforded the opportunity to
participate in these meaningful journeys; and
WHEREAS, Participation in an Honor Flight trip gives veterans the
opportunity to share this momentous occasion with other comrades,
remember the fallen, and share their stories and experiences with other
veterans; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Honor Flight Network commends those who served
during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and veterans of
any service era who are critically ill; and
WHEREAS, Each year, the Honor Flight Network helps make it possible
for about 22,500 veterans to travel to Washington D.C.; since its
inception, more than 330,000 veterans from all services from more than
130 locations across the country have taken the flight; and
WHEREAS, In New York State alone, more than 6,000 members of our
armed services have fulfilled their wish of visiting our Nation's
capital and all its sites and memorials honoring our country's great
history; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Honor Flight Network is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its Interim Chief Executive Officer Marion
Watkins and her staff and volunteers, whose involvement is, and always
has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the institution and the community it serves; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these brave men and women of our military have demonstrated their love
for their country and merit forevermore, the highest respect of their
State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 4th Annual Honor Flight Day in the State of New York;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Marion Watkins, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Honor
Flight Network.
