Seward To Bestow Liberty Medal On Barnes

The highest state legislative honor will be bestowed on Staff Sergeant Daniel P. Barnes, Senator James L. Seward announced today.

Seward, who will attend the November 2 benefit for Barnes at the Herkimer VFW, said today that he would confer the New York State Senate Liberty Award upon Barnes and present it to family members at the benefit.

Barnes is the 1995 Little Falls High School graduate injured in a rocket attack in Baghdad on September 4, where he was serving with the U.S. Army.

"The Liberty Award is a high honor conferred by the New York State Senate upon our heroes. It recognizes those who were willing to sacrifice their lives in defense of the cause of freedom and world peace," Seward said. "There is no question that Sgt. Barnes is deserving of this honor."

"The Liberty Award is not bestowed upon just anyone. It is given to those who have distinguished themselves by meritorious action against hostile odds," Seward added. He has bestowed the Liberty Award in limited circumstances, and only to veterans of the armed services.

"The New York State Senate salutes Sgt. Barnes and expresses our appreciation to his wife Gretchen and their two sons, and our best wishes for his recovery," Seward said.

Seward also said that he would introduce a resolution in the state senate commending Barnes for his heroism.
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