AMEDORE BILL TO NAME HIGHWAY IN HONOR OF FALLEN GUILDERLAND NATIVE PASSES SENATE

The New York State Senate today passed legislation (S.6515), sponsored by Senator George Amedore to designate a portion of State Route 20 in the Town of Guilderland as the  “Major General Harold J. Greene Memorial Highway.”

“Major General Harold J. Greene dedicated his life and career in service to our nation,” said Senator Amedore. “We are always looking for ways to honor our veterans and properly memorialize those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf. This is a small way to thank him for his service, his sacrifice, and show the appreciation of the all of the members of the community that he called home when he was growing up.”

The portion of highway to be designated begins at the intersection of State Route 20 and State Route 146 North in the Town of Guilderland and runs east to the intersection of State Route 20 and State Route 146 South. The designated route runs past the Town N. Country Lanes, where a mural was painted in Major General Greene’s memory.

Major General Harold J. Greene was killed in Afghanistan on August 4, 2014 when a gunman believed to be an Afghan soldier opened fire during a meeting of senior military officials at a military academy near Kabul. He is the highest ranking American officer to be killed in a combat war zone since the Vietnam War.

Major General Greene was a Guilderland native and a graduate of Renssealaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy. During his Army career, he was awarded numerous commendations including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, a Meritorious Service Award, and an Army Commendation Medal.

The legislation was proposed to Senator Amedore by the American Legion Riders Helderberg Post 977 as a tribute to an American hero who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation. Each year, on the anniversary of Major General Greene’s death, the Legion Riders decorate the lawn of his childhood home, where his father still lives, with American flags as a tribute.

“The mission of the Legion Riders is to take care of our community and make sure our brothers and sisters are not forgotten. We are happy and proud to partner with Senator Amedore in the effort to rename Route 20 in memory of Major General Harold. J. Greene,” said Steven Oliver, president of the American Legion Riders Helderberg Post 977.

“Major General Harold J. Greene’s legacy is one of duty, honor and love of country, and every American owes him a debt of gratitude for the outstanding manner in which he served our nation,” said Senator Amedore. “Renaming this highway, that runs past the neighborhood where he grew up, is one way to honor and pay tribute to his legacy.”

The bill was sent to the Assembly, where it is sponsored by Assemblymember Patricia Fahy.

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