Senate Resolution No. 3025

BY: Senator TEDISCO

HONORING Safyre Terry upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the
highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Safyre Terry
upon the occasion of her 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, In May of 2013, Safyre Terry was the only survivor of a
fire at her home located in Schenectady's Hamilton Hill neighborhood;
unfortunately, this horrific event claimed the lives of her father and
her three siblings; and

WHEREAS, Four years since that devastating incident, nine-year-old
Safyre Terry has never given up; her indomitable spirit and tenacious
optimism have continued to inspire all those who have heard her story,
locally, statewide and globally; and

WHEREAS, In December of 2015, Safyre Terry had a holiday dream to
fill her card holder, a small tree made out of curved wire, with as many
uplifting and joyful cards as it would hold; thus beginning the campaign
of belief and faith; and

WHEREAS, Liz Terry-Dolder created a Facebook page titled: Safyre:
Schenectady's Super Survivor; on December 3rd she shared a photograph of
Safyre with the Christmas card holder; a supporter saw the post and
shared the photo along with an address where people could mail her
cards; and

WHEREAS, Thousands upon thousands of people shared the post, and
Safyre's Christmas wish came true; she opened up millions of cards and
gifts signed by entire classrooms of school children as well as people
from all over the world; and

WHEREAS, On Safyre Terry's ninth birthday on September 2, 2016, she
visited the firefighters from the Schenectady Fire Department who

bravely saved her life during the terrible fire back in 2013; as this
brave girl thanked each and every one of her heroes and heroines, all
those in attendance marveled at her bright personality and courage; and

WHEREAS, Our society is greatly strengthened by young people like
Safyre Terry who have proven the power of hope endures and inspires even
in the darkest of circumstances; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend young
people of outstanding character, who have continually shown consummate
courage and bravery which serve as an inspiration to us all; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Safyre Terry upon the occasion of her 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 Safyre Terry.