[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 4, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        STATEMENT COMMEMORATING NEW YORK STATE YELLOW RIBBON DAY

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. PAUL TONKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 4, 2017

  Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate New York State 
Yellow Ribbon Day.
  On April 9th, the State of New York will observe Yellow Ribbon Day to 
honor current and former members of the United States Armed Forces. 
Yellow Ribbon Day has occurred on April 9th each year since 2006 
following unanimous support for resolutions by the New York State 
Legislature, and Proclamations by New York's governors.
  New York State Yellow Ribbon Day, which was originally held at the 
Saratoga-Wilton Elks, and now takes place at the Halfmoon Town Hall, 
truly represents the spirit of the New York's 20th Congressional 
District and its commitment to supporting and recognizing our service 
men and women.
  Yellow Ribbon Day is championed each year by Carol Hotaling, a 
resident of New York's 20th Congressional District, who began making 
yellow ribbons to donate to the family members of troops deployed 
during Operation Desert Storm. Ms. Hotaling stands as a beacon of 
goodwill and an outstanding member of our community by virtue of her 
dedication to creating a meaningful occasion to honor our troops.
  Ms. Hotaling chose the date of April 9 in honor of Matt Maupin, a 
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant who was captured while serving in Iraq on that 
date in 2004. Staff Sergeant Maupin was the first U.S. military service 
member who went Missing-In-Action during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  It is an honor and privilege to recognize our troops on this solemn 
occasion, and always, for their example of honor, sacrifice, strength, 
sense of duty, and leadership. On behalf of New York's 20th 
Congressional District, I offer my heartfelt gratitude for their 
service in defense of our freedom, security, and way of life.

                          ____________________