Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 3, 2025, as Four Chaplains Day in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Eachus

Urges NY Governor to proclaim Feb 3, 2025 as Four Chaplains Day, a ceremonial memorial honoring the four chaplains' sacrifice and promoting remembrance and interfaith education.

ADOPTED

Summary: Bill K 66 — Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 3, 2025, as Four Chaplains Day in the State of New York

Overview

Bill K 66 is a concurrent resolution with the purpose of memorializing New York Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 3, 2025, as Four Chaplains Day in the State of New York. The bill is classified as a resolution rather than a statute, meaning its effect is ceremonial and expressive of the Legislature’s intent, rather than creating or changing law.

Purpose and Intent

The core objective is to request the Governor to issue an official proclamation designating February 3, 2025, as Four Chaplains Day in New York.

Four Chaplains Day commemorates the actions of the four army chaplains who sacrificed their lives during the sinking of the Dorchester in 1943, highlighting themes of heroism, faith, interfaith cooperation, and humanitarian service.

Key Provisions

The bill urges (via memorialization) the Governor to proclaim February 3, 2025, as Four Chaplains Day in New York.

As a resolution, the measure does not impose newduties, authorize expenditures, or create enforceable state policy. It serves to acknowledge and promote public remembrance and education about the Four Chaplains’ legacy.

Procedural History and Timeline

Introduced: January 31, 2025.

Legislative actions:

January 31, 2025: Referred to Calendar (both chambers indicated in the record).
February 3, 2025: Adopted (in both chambers), completing the legislative expression of the memorialization.

Sponsors: Christopher Eachus (primary sponsor).

Who Would Be Affected

Governor of New York: The resolution requests a formal proclamation.

Residents of New York, including veterans, faith communities, schools, and public institutions: Benefits from a formal state designation that can encourage remembrance activities, ceremonies, and educational efforts.

Public commemorations and events: May gain state-level visibility and alignment with Four Chaplains Day observances.

Impact and Significance

Symbolic/ceremonial impact: Elevates awareness of the Four Chaplains’ sacrifice and promotes interfaith and humanitarian values within the state.

Educational/awareness impact: Can catalyze ceremonies, public programs, school activities, and community events around the remembrance of February 3.

Fiscal impact: None indicated; the bill is a memorialization with no funding authorizations.

Notes

The bill’s status is ADOPTED, indicating it has passed both chambers and is ready for any subsequent gubernatorial action (i.e., issuance of a proclamation) or to be transmitted as a formal request to the Governor.