Honor Corporal Sigsbee Liberty Medal

Senate Resolution No. 2208 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING Corporal John P. Sigsbee 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, 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 commend Corporal John P. Sigsbee 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, Born to James and Susan (Cornelius) Sigsbee, John P. Sigsbee grew up in a loving family which included two brothers, Jason and Jarid; both sets of grandparents, John and Genevieve and Donald and Margaret; and his great-grandfather, Robert; and WHEREAS, After graduating from Waterville High School in 2004, John P. Sigsbee attended Mohawk Valley Community College before enlisting in the United States Army, which he held in the highest regard; and WHEREAS, John P. Sigsbee proudly served his country as a weapon qualifications expert during the Global War on Terror; after recovering from a roadside bombing injury, this courageous and devoted soldier made the ultimate sacrifice in Balad, Iraq, on January 16, 2008, at the age of 21; he was buried in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, New York; and WHEREAS, For his meritorious service, Corporal John P. Sigsbee was awarded the Purple Heart and the Global War on Terrorism Medal; and WHEREAS, Corporal John P. Sigsbee truly loved his country, the Army and his family; he enjoyed researching his family's military history and was a vital member of the Helmuth-Ingalls American Legion Post No. 232 in Franklin Springs, New York, the VFW Post No. 9591 in Clinton, New York, and the National Purple Heart Society; and WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing in action; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Corporal John P. Sigsbee 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 commend Corporal John P. Sigsbee 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 Corporal John P. Sigsbee.