Senator Ritchie Honors Central New York ‘Hometown Heroes’

Medal of Honor Display Now Featured at Half-Shire Historical Society

State Senator Patty Ritchie honored Central New York veterans at a special reception for  her Hometown Heroes Medal of Honor display, which is now being featured at the Half-Shire Historical Society in Richland.

The traveling display—which was created as part of the 150^th anniversary of President Lincoln establishing the award—features the more than 45 local individuals who have received our nation’s highest military honor for their service in America’s armed forces. 

 “Serving in the armed forces and putting one’s life on the line is the ultimate sacrifice—and the Medal of Honor is the ultimate honor for that service,” said Senator Ritchie.  “From the only woman to be awarded the Medal of Honor; Oswego’s own Civil War hero Dr. Mary Walker to WWII hero Staff Sgt. Curtis Shoup, Central New York is home to so many recipients of our nation’s highest military honor, and many people don’t realize that.”

“I’d like to thank the Half-Shire Historical Society as well as its President Shawn Doyle, for helping me to highlight the bravery and service of these men and women.”

One in four of the 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients nationally are from New York State.  Senator Ritchie has introduced legislation to pay tribute to these recipients by naming some of the bridges and overpasses of our state in their honor. 

Senator Ritchie’s Hometown Heroes exhibit is also on display at the following locations:

• The St. Lawrence County Historical Association’s Silas Wright Museum in Canton
• The Jefferson County Historical Society Museum in Watertown

Beginning on October 27^th, the display will be featured at the Annual Fun Day at the Walker House Museum in Madrid. 

You can click here to view the entire display online. 

(Pictured in the above photo, from left to right are Half-Shire Historical Society President Shawn Doyle, Senator Ritchie and former Ambassador and longtime State Senator H. Douglas Barclay)