Senate Resolution No. 2231

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Lance Corporal Daniel J. Geary
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 Lance
Corporal Daniel J. Geary 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 and raised in Rome, New York, Daniel J. Geary was a
graduate of Rome Free Academy, Class of 2006; while in high school, he
was a member of the AFJROTC program and proudly joined the United States
Marine Corp. in the same year of his graduation; and

WHEREAS, He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd
Marine Division II, Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North
Carolina; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Daniel J. Geary gave the ultimate sacrifice
on March 20, 2009, fighting for his country while supporting combat
operations in Kandahar, Afghanistan; he was 22 years old; and

WHEREAS, His tour of duty was to end in May of 2009, and his plans
included coming home and marrying the love of his life, fiance Rachel
Paterson, who resided in North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Daniel J. Geary loved to have fun and was
known as a prankster; he also loved to laugh, and spending time with his
family was something very important to him; he was the proud brother of
six siblings, all of whom cherished their time together and most
weekends, could be found at the King Pin Bowling Alley in Rome enjoying
quality family time; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Daniel J. Geary is survived by his parents,
Michael and Agnes Geary; his four sisters, Sherry Connelly, Naomi Geary,
Elise Geary and Amber Geary; two brothers, Michael Geary Jr. and Dillan
Geary; his grandmother, Gloria Geary; and his fiance, Rachel Paterson;
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,
Lance Corporal Daniel J. Geary 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 Lance Corporal Daniel J. Geary 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 Lance Corporal Daniel J. Geary.