Governor Signs Metzger/Gunther Legislation Honoring Fallen Sullivan County Veteran Allan Milk
July 24, 2019
Albany, NY…Today, Governor Cuomo signed into law legislation sponsored by Senator Jen Metzger and Assembly Member Aileen Gunther to rename the portion of State Highway 97 that crosses the Basket Creek in the town of Fremont as the "Specialist Allan Milk Memorial Bridge." Allan Arlyn Milk, an Army Specialist who grew up in Fremont, served in the United States Army in Company B, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division during the Vietnam War. He was killed in action in Bihn Dihn Province, South Vietnam, on November 1, 1966, just six months shy of his 21st birthday.
"Army Specialist Allan Milk, a native of Fremont in Sullivan County, gave his life in service to our country,” said Senator Jen Metzger. "Renaming the Basket Viaduct Bridge in his name honors his heroism, and memorializes his dedication to his country and the sacrifice he and his family have made to protect it."
"I want to thank the Governor for signing this bill into law,” said Assembly Member Aileen M. Gunther. "Specialist Allan Milk is a hero, and this honor is long overdue. Specialist Milk was killed in action 53 years ago in South Vietnam while fighting for our country. He served with honor and distinction, and I am proud to have sponsored this legislation in the Assembly."
The renaming of the bridge has been widely supported by the local community as a way of commemorating the sacrifice that Milk and his family have made in service to the country.