Honor Fallen Marine with Medal

Senate Resolution No. 2231 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING Lance Corporal Daniel J. Geary 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 Lance Corporal Daniel J. Geary 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 and raised in Rome, New York, Daniel J. Geary was a graduate of Rome Free Academy, Class of 2006; while in high school, he was a member of the AFJROTC program and proudly joined the United States Marine Corp. in the same year of his graduation; and WHEREAS, He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division II, Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; and WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Daniel J. Geary gave the ultimate sacrifice on March 20, 2009, fighting for his country while supporting combat operations in Kandahar, Afghanistan; he was 22 years old; and WHEREAS, His tour of duty was to end in May of 2009, and his plans included coming home and marrying the love of his life, fiance Rachel Paterson, who resided in North Carolina; and WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Daniel J. Geary loved to have fun and was known as a prankster; he also loved to laugh, and spending time with his family was something very important to him; he was the proud brother of six siblings, all of whom cherished their time together and most weekends, could be found at the King Pin Bowling Alley in Rome enjoying quality family time; and WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Daniel J. Geary is survived by his parents, Michael and Agnes Geary; his four sisters, Sherry Connelly, Naomi Geary, Elise Geary and Amber Geary; two brothers, Michael Geary Jr. and Dillan Geary; his grandmother, Gloria Geary; and his fiance, Rachel Paterson; 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, Lance Corporal Daniel J. Geary 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 Lance Corporal Daniel J. Geary 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 Lance Corporal Daniel J. Geary.