Senate Resolution No. 2208

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Corporal John P. Sigsbee 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 Corporal
John P. Sigsbee 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 James and Susan (Cornelius) Sigsbee, John P.
Sigsbee grew up in a loving family which included two brothers, Jason
and Jarid; both sets of grandparents, John and Genevieve and Donald and
Margaret; and his great-grandfather, Robert; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Waterville High School in 2004, John
P. Sigsbee attended Mohawk Valley Community College before enlisting in
the United States Army, which he held in the highest regard; and

WHEREAS, John P. Sigsbee proudly served his country as a weapon
qualifications expert during the Global War on Terror; after recovering
from a roadside bombing injury, this courageous and devoted soldier made
the ultimate sacrifice in Balad, Iraq, on January 16, 2008, at the age
of 21; he was buried in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National
Cemetery in Schuylerville, New York; and

WHEREAS, For his meritorious service, Corporal John P. Sigsbee was
awarded the Purple Heart and the Global War on Terrorism Medal; and

WHEREAS, Corporal John P. Sigsbee truly loved his country, the Army
and his family; he enjoyed researching his family's military history and
was a vital member of the Helmuth-Ingalls American Legion Post No. 232
in Franklin Springs, New York, the VFW Post No. 9591 in Clinton, New
York, and the National Purple Heart Society; 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,
Corporal John P. Sigsbee 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 Corporal John P. Sigsbee 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 Corporal John P. Sigsbee.