LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Lance Corporal
Aaron Swanson, and paying tribute to his courageous actions as a member
of the United States Marine Corps

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to memorialize and
honor the courage and bravery of those members of the United States
Armed Forces who have lost their lives while carrying out missions as
part of Operation Enduring Freedom, to 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to mourn
the untimely death of Lance Corporal Aaron Swanson, who was killed in
action in Afghanistan on February 7, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Aaron Swanson graduated from Southwestern Central School in
2007; he attended Jamestown Community College, studying criminal
justice, before joining the United States Marine Corps on May 18, 2009;
and
WHEREAS, During his school years, Aaron Swanson competed on the South-
western Central School football and track teams; he was also an active
member of the Allegheny Highlands Council Troop 131 of the Boy Scouts of
America; and
WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Aaron Swanson proudly served his country as a
member of the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division,
Marine Forces Reserve based in Buffalo, New York; he was called to
active duty in May 2010; and
WHEREAS, Promoted to Lance Corporal on December 1, 2010, Aaron Swanson
was a decorated Marine, receiving the National Defense Service Medal,
the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service
Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal
and the NATO Medal - International Security Force Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which members of the United States Armed Forces have served this
great nation, and must recognize and honor the sacrifice of their lives
to achieve peace and democracy; 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 beneficiaries of those who
give their lives, leaving their families behind, express our appreci-
ation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts;
and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly honor
members of the United States Armed Forces who have given their lives in
military service; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of Lance Corporal Aaron Swanson, and to express
its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Lance Corporal Aaron Swanson.