Honor Fallen Sergeant Uvanni

Senate Resolution No. 2212 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING Sergeant Michael Uvanni 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 Sergeant Michael Uvanni 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 Uvanni was born in Rome, New York, to his loving parents Kevin and Janet Uvanni, in 1977; he graduated from Rome Free Academy with the Class of 1996; and WHEREAS, In December of that same year, Michael Uvanni joined the United States Marine Corps and served as mortar man until December 2003; in January of 2004, he joined the New York Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry in Morrisonville, New York, where he again served as mortar man; and WHEREAS, After being promoted to the esteemed rank of Sergeant, Michael Uvanni gave the ultimate sacrifice in Samarra, Iraq, after being mortally wounded on October 1, 2004; he died at the age of 27 and is buried in St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Rome; and WHEREAS, Sergeant Michael Uvanni loved this great country and wanted to be part of making a difference in the world; 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, Sergeant Michael Uvanni 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 Sergeant Michael Uvanni 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 Sergeant Michael Uvanni.