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The Great Seal of the State of New York
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The Revolution and the first New York state constitution

On this day in 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, the first New York state constitution is formally adopted. The Convention of Representatives of the State of New York met upstate in Kingston.

That first state constitution contains a good amount of the language found the Declaration of Independence. For example:

“We therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in general Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.”

Our…

It goes on: “And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”

Finally, here is the current Preamble:
“We The People of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our Freedom, in order to secure its blessings, DO ESTABLISH THIS CONSTITUTION.” 

Seal of the State of New York

 

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The Great Seal of the State of New York
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New York State : Excelsior Empire

On this day in 1788, New York becomes the eleventh state in the Union.

First, here is the current Preamble of The Constitution of the State of New York:
“We The People of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our Freedom, in order to secure its blessings, DO ESTABLISH THIS CONSTITUTION.” 

Next, while the state motto is “Excelsior” (Ever Upward), the well-known state nickname is The Empire State.

Empirical Evidence

The likely source of this nickname is a letter from George Washington “To The Honble the Mayor, Recorder, Alderman & Commonalty of the City of New York,” dated April 10, 1785.

In the letter, Washington Wrote:
“And that my conduct should have met the approbation, and obtained the Affectionate regard of the State of New York (where difficulties were numerous & complicated) may be ascribed more to the effect of divine wisdom… .”

Then, he concluded:
“I pray that Heaven may bestow its choicest blessings on your City—That the devastations of War, in which you found it, may soon be without a trace—That a well regulated & benificial Commerce may enrichen your Citizens. And that, your State (at present the Seat of the Empire) may set such examples of Wisdom & liberality, as shall have a tendency to strengthen & give permanency to the Union at home—and credit & respectability to it abroad. The accomplishment whereof is a remaining wish, & the primary object of all my desires.”

The Great Seal of the State of New York

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USO United Service Organizations
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The USO: United Service Organizations incorporate

On this day in 1941, The United Service Organizations, the USO, is incorporated in New York, at the urging of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Those organizations were the Salvation Army, Young Men’s Christian Association, Young Women’s Christian Association, National Catholic Community Services, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board.

This is their stated mission: 
“The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation.”

Lastly, though congressionally chartered, the USO is not part of the federal government. It remains a private organization that relies on generous contributions and volunteers.

USO United Service Organizations

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John Jay Supreme Court
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Supreme Court : First Meeting, First Chief Justice

On this day in 1790, the Supreme Court of the United States meets for the first time. John Jay, appointed by George Washington, was the first Chief Justice. Jay was a Patriot, a Founding Father, a statesman, and a diplomat. As such, he was one of the signers of the Treaty of Paris.

He wrote this, in part to his eldest son, Peter, in 1784:
The Bible is the best of all books, for it is the word of God and teaches us the way to be happy in this world and in the next. Continue therefore to read it and to regulate your life by its precepts.

Additionally, Jay also served as President of the Continental Congress and the Governor of New York. In fact, he was the only Founding Father that was also a native New Yorker.

Finally, on June 29, 1826, about three years before his death, he wrote this to the Committee of the Corporation of the City of New York:

“I recommend a general and public return of praise and thanksgiving to Him from whose goodness these blessings descend. The most effectual means of securing the continuance of our civil and religious liberties is always to remember with reverence and gratitude the source from which they flow.”

John Jay Supreme Court

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