Honor Michael A. Valente

Senate Resolution No. 5916 BY: Senator KAMINSKY HONORING Michael A. Valente posthumously upon the occasion of his 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, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Michael A. Valente posthumously upon the occasion of his 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, Michael A. Valente, a former resident of Long Beach, New York, was a Private with Company D of the 107th Infantry Regiment, 27th Division during World War I; and WHEREAS, On September 29, 1918, Michael A. Valente's unit was suffering heavy casualties in its fight against the Hindenburg Line when he courageously volunteered to go forward and assault the enemy machine gun nest which was pinning them down; by doing so, he became the first man to break through the unbreakable Hindenburg Line; and WHEREAS, In recognition of his heroic actions, Michael A. Valente received the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Herbert Hoover in 1929; having emigrated to the United States in 1913, he was the only Italian American to receive this most prestigious honor during World War I; and WHEREAS, Years after his death, the City of Long Beach has continued to keep Michael A. Valente's memory alive; in 1993, the newly formed Sons of Italy was named for him, and in 2011, Nassau County renamed the bridge connecting Long Beach to the mainland the Michael Valente Memorial Long Beach Bridge; and WHEREAS, Most recently in 2012, the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce erected a new sign at the entrance to the City, welcoming its visitors and proclaiming Long Beach as the Home of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient: Michael A. Valente; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, the Long Beach City Council designated September 29th as Michael Valente Day in the City of Long Beach; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Michael A. Valente demonstrated his love for his country and merits forevermore, the highest respect of his State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Michael A. Valente posthumously upon the occasion of his 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 the family of Michael A. Valente.