LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim May 20, 2010, as Women of Valor Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, The dictionary defines the word "valor" as "boldness or deter- mination in facing great danger; heroic courage; bravery"; and WHEREAS, Throughout the history of the State of New York and the history of the United States of America there have been many women who have exemplified the definition of valor on the battlefield, as stated on the plaque of the New York State Women Veterans Memorial: "New York State Women have earned the highest decorations for valor and service from our State and Nation"; and WHEREAS, As early as the Revolutionary War, women such as Margaret Corbin, who fought at the Battle of Fort Washington, have demonstrated great valor, skill and determination in combat; and WHEREAS, The only female recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, Mary Edwards Walker, who served during the Civil War, was born in Oswego, New York; and WHEREAS, It is also incumbent on the State of New York to recognize those women of valor who did not participate in war yet distinguished themselves in other ways, women such as Sojourner Truth who risked her life to escape from slavery and later became the first African-American woman to win a court case against a white man; and WHEREAS, Shirley Chisholm demonstrated her valor and courage by over- coming prejudice to become the first African-American woman elected to Congress where she served New York's Bedford Stuyvesant community from 1968 until 1982; and WHEREAS, Women also perform heroic and valorous service in many capac- ities in police departments throughout the State; over 3,000 women serve in the ranks of the New York City Police Department; furthermore, Buffalo Police District B is commanded by Police Chief Donna Berry; and WHEREAS, The State of New York is justifiably proud to recognize and pay tribute to women of valor who play an integral and vital part in our State and our Nation's protection, politics and in advancing the cause of human rights throughout New York and the United States; now, there- fore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim May 20, 2010, as "Women of Valor Day" in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran- smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York..