Senator Larkin Passes Gold Star Families Memorial Highway

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C-I, 39^th District) announced today that his bill (S8861) passed the New York State Senate.  This bill designates a portion of State Route 300 in the Town of Newburgh as “Gold Star Families Memorial Highway.”  Gold Star families are families who have lost a loved one in service to our country.

“Senator Larkin’s efforts to honor Gold Star families is appreciated more than he could ever know,” said Renate DeAngelis, a Gold Star Mother and Orange County resident.  “Having this very busy State Highway honor the memory of my son and millions of other men and women we have lost is a very special and appropriate gesture.”

ET2 Christopher W. DeAngelis had been assigned to the U.S.S Stark, when he was killed in action in the Persian Gulf on May 17, 1987.

“Losing a family member in service to our country has a profound impact on the entire family unit,” said Senator Bill Larkin.  “It is my hope that the renaming of this State Highway speaks loudly to Gold Star families everywhere, letting them know that we appreciate their sacrifice as we also honor the memory of their lost loves ones.”

“I am happy to see our Gold Star families get the recognition they deserve through this designation,” said Town of Newburgh Supervisor Gil Piaquadio.  “Our Town Board was proud to request this legislation and as always we thank Senator Larkin for his quick response and positive result.”

Prior to his efforts on this bill, Senator Larkin led two national campaigns to ensure that our nation did not forget the service men and women who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal for being killed or wounded in combat.  Those campaigns include the effort to establish the Purple Heart Forever Stamp and the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor.

Senator Larkin retired from the United States Army after 23 years of service with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  He saw combat during World War II in the Philippines operation, and during the Korean War.  Senator Larkin was the recipient of the Legion of Merit and seven Army Commendation Medals.  He was awarded one Battle Star for the Philippines and six Battle Stars for the Korean War. 

This Bill was passed by the Senate today.  It is awaiting review in the Assembly and is sponsored by Assemblywoman Eileen Gunther.

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