LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Marine Lance Corporal Kyle Francis for
his valiant military service during Operation Enduring Freedom

WHEREAS, The courage and bravery of our military personnel since the
United States Armed Forces commenced Operation Enduring Freedom will
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and as a defender of liberty for people throughout the world;
and
WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably during Operation Enduring Free-
dom, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Marine Lance
Corporal Kyle Francis for his valiant military service during Operation
Enduring Freedom; and
WHEREAS, Marine Lance Corporal Kyle Francis joined the Marines in
2008, two years after graduating from Cicero North Syracuse High School;
in January 2010, he was sent to Helmand Province with the Marine 3rd
Battalion, 6th Marines India Company, 3rd Platoon; and
WHEREAS, On May 13, 2010, Marine Lance Corporal Kyle Francis and eight
other Marines, along with three Afghan soldiers were attacked by 13
Taliban; during the firefight, Kyle was wounded; and
WHEREAS, As a result of his bravery and courage, Marine Lance Corporal
Kyle Francis will receive the Purple Heart on Thursday, June 3, 2010,
from the Commandant of the Marine Corps and the Sergeant Major of the
Marine Corps; and
WHEREAS, The banner of freedom will always wave over our beloved New
York and all of America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave;
and
WHEREAS, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a
very high price for those serving in the military in times of conflict;
it is fitting and proper that we who are the beneficiaries of those who
risk their lives, leaving their families behind, express our appreci-
ation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished soldiers who have devoted themselves to mili-
tary service, demonstrating great courage and diligence in providing for
the care and welfare of the citizens of this great Empire State and
Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Marine Lance Corporal Kyle Francis for his valiant military
service during Operation Enduring Freedom; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Marine Lance Corporal Kyle Francis.