Senate Resolution No. 2210

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Sergeant Christopher C. Simpson
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 Sergeant
Christopher C. Simpson 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, The son of Scott Simpson and Kate McLaughlin, Christopher
C. Simpson was a resident of Rome, New York; he was the proud brother
of four siblings, Richard, Matthew, Michael and Anna; and

WHEREAS, He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment,
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado;
and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Christopher C. Simpson gave the ultimate sacrifice
on March 17, 2008, in Baghdad, Iraq, after being mortally wounded when
his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device during combat
operations; he died at the age of 23, and is buried in the Onondaga
County Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Syracuse, New York; and

WHEREAS, This brave soldier loved his country, the United States
Army, and being part of something that truly mattered, but more than
anything, he loved his family; he spent every minute he could with them;
they gave him so much love, and he returned it all; 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,
Sergeant Christopher C. Simpson 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 Sergeant Christopher C. Simpson 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 Sergeant Christopher C. Simpson.