After Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a directive Monday that flags on state government buildings to be flown at half-staff and state landmarks to be lit red, white and blue on Sunday, May 30, and Monday Memorial Day, May 31, to honor the essential workers who lost their lives due to COVID-19, New York Senate Republican Robert Ortt issued this statement, calling Cuomo’s “offensive.”
“As a veteran I wear four names on my wrist every day — they are the names of my fallen brothers who did not return from Afghanistan, so Memorial Day is obviously very personal to me.
“The offensive suggestion by the Governor that we fly flags at half-staff in honor of our front line workers on Memorial Day weekend would effectively dilute the one time a year that we stop to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation. While I certainly respect and appreciate our front line workers for all they’ve done, there is no shortage of days the Governor could choose to pay tribute to them.
“If the Governor needs a better grasp of the true meaning of Memorial Day, I suggest he talk to a Gold Star mother or take a stroll through Arlington National Cemetery to gain a better understanding.”
Cuomo said in announcing the half-staff directive: “It’s Memorial Day, and we remember those who gave their lives on Memorial Day, gave their lives for this country, fought for freedom, because freedom isn’t free. I also think we should remember this past year on Memorial Day, remember the 42,000 New Yorkers who died. 42,000. Remember the 1,000 essential workers who died giving their life, giving their life. Seasons change, but memories have to remain, lessons have to remain.”
