Senate Resolution No. 2216

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Specialist Blair D. Thompson
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 Specialist
Blair D. Thompson 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 Arena (Young) and Vincent Thompson in Rome, New
York, Blair D. Thompson grew up in a loving family which included four
brothers, Sean, Noah, Bryant, and Gavin; ever since he was a young boy,
he wanted to be a soldier; and

WHEREAS, After enlisting in the United States Army in 2009, Blair D.
Thompson proudly served his country as a gunner with the 327th Infantry
Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division in
Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, Specialist Blair D. Thompson was injured in an insurgent
attack just weeks before he made the ultimate sacrifice on June 25,
2010, in an ambush with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades;
and

WHEREAS, This 19 year-old soldier truly loved his country, the Army
and his family, and will always be remembered for his loyalty and
infinite bravery; 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,
Specialist Blair D. Thompson 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 Specialist Blair D. Thompson 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 Specialist Blair D. Thompson.