Establishes the "cold war veterans medal" for members of the armed forces or organized militia serving during such war

1 Co-sponsor

• Tony Avella

BILL NUMBER:S3956

Title of bill

An act to amend the military law, in relation to providing for the "cold war veterans medal" to be granted to certain veterans

Purpose

This bill would establish the "cold war veterans medal" for members of the armed forces or organized militia serving during such war.

Summary of provisions

Amends Section 247 of the military law by adding a new subdivision 1-b, which would authorize the Governor to present in the name of the Legislature of the State of New York, a military decoration, to be known as the "Cold War Service Medal."

Justification

In 1988 the United States Government recognized the contribution of its armed forces and their sacrifices during the Cold War with a Certificate of Recognition that had to be requested from the Department of Defense. No federal campaign medal exists to recognize the dedicated participation of those service members who "stood watch" in the cause of promoting world peace and stability, and who also participated in hundreds of military exercises and operations that occurred between the start of the Cold War on September 2, 1945 and the end of the Cold War on December 26, 1991. The United States Government has not authorized or recognized a Cold War Medal dedicated to the service of these veterans who sacrificed so much, many of whom performed actions and duties still shrouded in secrecy so that they receive and maintain no identity as Cold War Veterans. These thousands of New York State Cold War Veterans prevented communist world domination and nuclear war. Therefore, it is fitting that these service members who served honorably during this era receive proper state recognition for their efforts in the form of a State Cold War medal.

Legislative history

S.5650/A.5156-A of 2008, Veto Memo 20 of 2008.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.