Assembly Resolution No. 1396

BY: M. of A. Palmesano

HONORING the 33 Purple Heart recipients interred
at the New York State Veterans Cemetery-Finger
Lakes, on May 25, 2026

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those distinguished veterans who have served the United
States of America with honor, courage, and dedication, and who have
demonstrated extraordinary valor in defense of our Nation; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor 33
recipients of the Purple Heart who are interred at the New York State
Veterans Cemetery-Finger Lakes, and to recognize their enduring legacy
of sacrifice and service; and

WHEREAS, The Purple Heart, established by General George Washington
during the Revolutionary War, is awarded to members of the Armed Forces
who have been wounded or killed in action while serving our Nation,
symbolizing their bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to
liberty; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Veterans Cemetery-Finger Lakes stands as
a solemn and perpetual memorial dedicated to honoring the service and
sacrifice of our Nation's veterans, and serves as a place of reflection,
remembrance, and gratitude for generations to come; and

WHEREAS, The Friends of the New York State Veterans Cemetery-Finger
Lakes, a dedicated volunteer organization, continues to uphold the
highest standards and values of this hallowed ground, ensuring that the
memory of those interred there is preserved with dignity and honor; and

WHEREAS, On Memorial Day, May 25, 2026, a special ceremony will be
held to honor these brave veterans, marking not only a day of
remembrance but also the 250th Anniversary of our Nation's Independence,
and offering a meaningful opportunity to express collective gratitude
for their sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, Among those honored are the following distinguished Purple
Heart recipients: Francis E. Bell, Sr., United States Marine Corps,
Corporal; David R. Bellomo, United States Navy, Hospital Corpsman Third
Class; Ronald M. Carragher, United States Marine Corps, Lance Corporal;
Donald B. Cody, United States Army, Private First Class; David Lynn
Darling, United States Marine Corps, Private First Class; Ronald De
Yulio, United States Army, Sergeant; Bill E. English, United States
Marine Corps, Staff Sergeant; Robert S. Feltenberger, United States
Army, Sergeant; Matt M. Flood, Jr., United States Army, Private First
Class; William H. Foster, Jr., United States Marine Corps, Corporal;
David A. Fournier, United States Marine Corps, Corporal; Charles J.
Franchot, United States Marine Corps, Corporal; Edward C. Freeman,
United States Marine Corps, Corporal; Earl L. Hayward, United States
Navy, Boatswain's Mate Third Class; John L. Keilen, United States Marine
Corps, Sergeant; Martin L. Keymel, United States Army, Specialist Fourth
Class; Elmer C. Kidd, United States Army, Corporal; John R. Laude,
United States Army, Private; Ervin D. Lincourt, United States Army,

Specialist Fifth Class; Michael James Maney, United States Army,
Sergeant; Bruce K. Manning, United States Army, Corporal; Gregory E.
Martin, United States Marine Corps, Lance Corporal; Thomas A. Mayfield,
United States Army, Specialist Fourth Class; Raymond J. Modzel, United
States Army, Staff Sergeant; Angelo G. Montaglione, United States Army,
Private First Class; Angelo D. Palleschi, United States Army, Staff
Sergeant; Thomas L. Petrosino, Jr., United States Army, Specialist Fifth
Class; Sanford M. Rowe, United States Army, Technician Fourth Class;
William W. Sheppard, United States Army, Private First Class; Charles D.
Snyder, United States Army, Corporal; Francis L. Viehmann, United States
Army, Captain; Edmund W. Walczyk, United States Army, Private First
Class; and Robert M. Wojchowski, United States Marine Corps, Sergeant;
and

WHEREAS, These distinguished veterans rendered faithful and
honorable service to their Nation, demonstrating exceptional courage and
steadfast devotion to duty, and bearing the wounds of war in defense of
the freedoms we cherish; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor and pay tribute to the 33 Purple Heart recipients interred at the
New York State Veterans Cemetery-Finger Lakes, recognizing their
extraordinary service and sacrifice; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Friends of the New York State Veterans
Cemetery-Finger Lakes and to the families of these honored veterans.