Brewster, N.Y. – (8/03/12) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation yesterday that designates a portion of the Taconic State Parkway as the Westchester County Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. The bill was sponsored and passed by Senator Greg Ball (R, C – Patterson) and Assemblyman Robert J. Castelli (R, C – Goldens Bridge).
“This dedication shows our support to the men and women who have put their lives on the line to protect our freedom. I praise Governor Cuomo, Assemblyman Castelli and Westchester County Veteran’s Service Agency Director Vito Pinto helping to make this possible,” said Senator Ball who Chairs the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs. “America is not a great country because of its politicians, it’s a great country because of its veterans.”
“I am pleased that we will honor the brave servicemen and women who fought for freedom in what has come to be known as our ‘Forgotten War’, the Korean War,” Castelli said. “This permanent tribute to the more than 1.7 million who served, and more than 54,000 who lost their lives in this bitter conflict, is a fitting tribute to America’s commitment to freedom around the world. I applaud the Governor for his willingness to permanently recognize the brave service members in this conflict.”
The genesis of the idea to establish a Korean War Veteran’s Memorial Highway in Westchester came from the Westchester County Post of the Korean War Veterans of America during a meeting of the Westchester County Veteran’s Advisory Board last year. The proposal, brought forward by Westchester County Veteran’s Service Agency Director Vito Pinto, was presented to the lawmakers at that meeting, who turned it into a reality.
Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino said, “This is a fitting tribute to our veterans and ensures that their selfless service to our country will not be forgotten. As a strong advocate for the many thousands of veterans in Westchester County, I want to thank Governor Cuomo, Senator Ball, Assemblyman Castelli and Westchester County Veterans Affairs Director Vito Pinto for protecting the legacy of our courageous servicemen and women.”
The designation of the Taconic State Parkway in Westchester recognizes the extraordinary sacrifice and courage of the more than 1.7 million American troops who defended the people of South Korean after the invasion by North Korea in 1950. The Military Agreement of July 27, 1953, ended 3 bitter years of warfare.
The dedication of the Taconic State Parkway in Westchester as the Korean War Veterans Memorial highway will help ensure that those who answered the call to defend freedom in the Korean War will long be remembered. The parkway segment, which runs from Millwood to the border of Westchester and Putnam counties, is expected to be officially dedicated in the next few weeks.
For more information or to speak with Senator Ball, please contact Joe Bachmeier at (845) 200 9716.
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