Assembly Resolution No. 2286 BY: M. of A. Rules (Wallace) MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 2024, as Veterans and Military Families Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official months that are set aside to pay tribute to the family members of the United States Military who have so faithfully served their community and country with courage and commitment, contributing to the safety and welfare of others and the preservation of the freedoms and democratic principles upon which this State and Nation are founded; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 2024, as Veterans and Military Families Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Veterans and Military Families Month; and WHEREAS, November is National Veterans and Military Families Month; and WHEREAS, Since its inception in 1996 by the Armed Services YMCA, November has been a time to acknowledge the tremendous sacrifices our military families make; they contend with separation from their families and make adjustments to new living situations and communities; and WHEREAS, Military Families embody strength, resilience, and courage; care of military families and children sustains our fighting force, and strengthens the health, security, and safety of our Nation's families and communities; and WHEREAS, The State of New York recognizes the significant role military families and transitioning veterans have in supporting a stronger force; and WHEREAS, To the nearly 5.2 million service members and families, we celebrate and thank you for the support you give to our State and Nation each day; and WHEREAS, While November is a time to honor our families, it is also critical to acknowledge the everyday challenges they face, and make it a top priority to ensure they have the support they need to thrive; and WHEREAS, A strong military relies not only on training and education to ensure readiness; it relies on strong families supporting our fight for freedom; and WHEREAS, Our Nation's fighting force is the greatest in the world, in no small part because year after year and decade after decade, military and veteran families have had their loved ones' backs; as a country and as a state, we owe it to these families to have their backs; and WHEREAS, This year, as we celebrate more than 50 years of an all-volunteer force, may we also recognize the bravery and dedication of our military and veteran families, and work to repay the debt of gratitude we owe each one of them; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 2024, as Veterans and Military Families Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.