Senate Resolution No. 2207

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Private First Class Gregory P. Huxley
Jr. 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 Private
First Class Gregory P. Huxley Jr. 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 to Mary and Gregory Huxley, Sr., Gregory P. Huxley Jr.
grew up in a loving family which included two sisters, Nicole and
Rebecca, and one brother, Bernard; after graduating from Adirondack High
School, he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his
country as a member of B Company, 3rd Battalion, 17th Engineer Battalion
during the Iraq War; and

WHEREAS, Unfortunately, Private First Class Gregory P. Huxley Jr.
made the ultimate sacrifice on April 6, 2003, becoming the first
casualty from Central New York in the Iraq War; and

WHEREAS, Private First Class Gregory P. Huxley Jr. was truly loved
by many and will always be remembered as a joyful, kind, young man who
always tried to make everyone happy; he touched so many lives, even
those who never met him; and

WHEREAS, Private First Class Gregory P. Huxley Jr. was respectfully
met at the Syracuse Airport by his cherished family and 30 police
officers who lined the tarmac; this 19 year-old soldier was then led to
his hometown of Boonville, New York, by eight Syracuse Police Department
motorcycles, followed by the family and 10 New York State Police and
Syracuse Police cars; and

WHEREAS, Every intersection from Syracuse to Boonville was met by a
New York State Trooper standing at attention and saluting the fallen
soldier and his family; when the solemn procession arrived in Boonville,
the church bells began ringing and hundreds of people lined the street
holding flags and saluting this fallen hero; 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,
Private First Class Gregory P. Huxley Jr. 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 Private First Class Gregory P. Huxley Jr. 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 Private First Class Gregory P. Huxley Jr.