LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Michael Militello for his distinguished
service as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War,
and congratulating him upon the occasion of receiving the Purple Heart
as well as five other long overdue medals

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to members of the Armed Services from the State of New York who
served valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's freedom
was at stake; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Michael Militello for his distinguished service as a member of the
United States Army during the Vietnam War, and to congratulate him upon
the occasion of receiving the Purple Heart as well as five other long
overdue medals at a ceremony held in his honor at the Sonoma Grill in
Snyder, New York; and
WHEREAS, A well-known restaurateur in Western New York, Michael Mili-
tello was drafted into the United States Army while a student at the
University of Buffalo and assigned to the storied 25th Infantry Divi-
sion; and
WHEREAS, During an ambush on the front lines of Vietnam on August 13,
1968, Michael Militello sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was struck
by shrapnel from a grenade while helping to drive the attackers out into
the open; and
WHEREAS, For his efforts, Michael Militello was awarded the Purple
Heart, along with the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam
Service Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Republic of Vietnam
Campaign Medal and the Expert Infantryman Badge with Machine Gun and
Rifle bars; and
WHEREAS, The banner of freedom will always wave over our beloved New
York and all of America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave;
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, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a
very high price for those serving in the military in times of conflict;
it is fitting and proper that we who are the beneficiaries of those who
risk their lives, leaving their families behind, express our appreci-
ation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts;
and
WHEREAS, With Michael Militello throughout have been his wife, Mari-
lynn, his two daughters, Marilynn and Stephanie, and son, Scott and his
wife, Kate, along with his granddaughter, Lyla, all of whom feel privi-
leged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Michael Militello for his distinguished service as a member of the
United States Army during the Vietnam War, and to congratulate him upon
the occasion of receiving the Purple Heart as well as five other long
overdue medals; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michael Militello.