Local War Heroes Receive New York’s Highest Military Honors

Senator Jim Alesi (R-Perinton) and Assemblyman Joe Errigo (R,C-Conesus) today hosted a special ceremony to present 13 local war veterans with military awards sanctioned by the State of New York. Awards presented include the Conspicuous Service Cross, New York’s highest military honor, as well as the Medal for Merit and the Conspicuous Service Star.

"There is no greater satisfaction in my job as a legislator than when I get to honor a man or woman who has served in the military. I am always humbled, to be in the presence of brave veterans who selflessly served our country in order to protect the freedoms that we as a nation enjoy today," said Senator Alesi. " It is important that citizens, young and old, understand the significance of what these men have done, and in presenting these medals, I hope to further honor their contributions."

"The men we honor today are shining examples of the enormous sacrifices made by our military in the fight to ensure our freedom," Errigo said. "By bestowing New York’s highest military honors we are recognizing them for their lifelong service to our country, our community and their families. I am honored to stand with Senator Alesi and our entire community in applauding the contributions made by each of these men."

Since first elected as a State Legislator, Senator Alesi has championed many Veteran causes including regularly securing State funds for every VFW and American Legion Post in his district, renaming a portion of Macedon Center Road as the POW-MIA Memorial Highway, renaming a large portion of Route 441 as the Korean War Memorial Highway, and securing State funds, used locally to build the Vietnam Memorial, the WWII Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial.

Most recently, Senator Alesi's bill to name the bridge over Scottsville-Chili Road (State Route 386) after Private First Class James E. Widener, who was declared Missing in Action when his helicopter crashed while on a mission to the Quang Tri Province in South Vietnam, was signed into law.

For more information about New York State’s military awards or photographs from the ceremony, please contact Senator Alesi’s district office by calling (585) 223-1800 or Assemblyman Errigo's office by calling (585) 334-5210.