Honor Safyre Terry's Bravery

Senate Resolution No. 3025 BY: Senator TEDISCO HONORING Safyre Terry upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Safyre Terry upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, In May of 2013, Safyre Terry was the only survivor of a fire at her home located in Schenectady's Hamilton Hill neighborhood; unfortunately, this horrific event claimed the lives of her father and her three siblings; and WHEREAS, Four years since that devastating incident, nine-year-old Safyre Terry has never given up; her indomitable spirit and tenacious optimism have continued to inspire all those who have heard her story, locally, statewide and globally; and WHEREAS, In December of 2015, Safyre Terry had a holiday dream to fill her card holder, a small tree made out of curved wire, with as many uplifting and joyful cards as it would hold; thus beginning the campaign of belief and faith; and WHEREAS, Liz Terry-Dolder created a Facebook page titled: Safyre: Schenectady's Super Survivor; on December 3rd she shared a photograph of Safyre with the Christmas card holder; a supporter saw the post and shared the photo along with an address where people could mail her cards; and WHEREAS, Thousands upon thousands of people shared the post, and Safyre's Christmas wish came true; she opened up millions of cards and gifts signed by entire classrooms of school children as well as people from all over the world; and WHEREAS, On Safyre Terry's ninth birthday on September 2, 2016, she visited the firefighters from the Schenectady Fire Department who bravely saved her life during the terrible fire back in 2013; as this brave girl thanked each and every one of her heroes and heroines, all those in attendance marveled at her bright personality and courage; and WHEREAS, Our society is greatly strengthened by young people like Safyre Terry who have proven the power of hope endures and inspires even in the darkest of circumstances; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend young people of outstanding character, who have continually shown consummate courage and bravery which serve as an inspiration to us all; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Safyre Terry upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Safyre Terry.