Senate Resolution No. 5916

BY: Senator KAMINSKY

HONORING Michael A. Valente 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, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

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 honor Michael A.
Valente 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, Michael A. Valente, a former resident of Long Beach, New
York, was a Private with Company D of the 107th Infantry Regiment, 27th
Division during World War I; and

WHEREAS, On September 29, 1918, Michael A. Valente's unit was
suffering heavy casualties in its fight against the Hindenburg Line when
he courageously volunteered to go forward and assault the enemy machine
gun nest which was pinning them down; by doing so, he became the first
man to break through the unbreakable Hindenburg Line; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of his heroic actions, Michael A. Valente
received the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Herbert Hoover
in 1929; having emigrated to the United States in 1913, he was the only
Italian American to receive this most prestigious honor during World War
I; and

WHEREAS, Years after his death, the City of Long Beach has continued
to keep Michael A. Valente's memory alive; in 1993, the newly formed
Sons of Italy was named for him, and in 2011, Nassau County renamed the
bridge connecting Long Beach to the mainland the Michael Valente
Memorial Long Beach Bridge; and

WHEREAS, Most recently in 2012, the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce
erected a new sign at the entrance to the City, welcoming its visitors
and proclaiming Long Beach as the Home of Congressional Medal of Honor
recipient: Michael A. Valente; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the Long Beach City Council designated
September 29th as Michael Valente Day in the City of Long Beach; and


WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Michael A. Valente 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
honor Michael A. Valente 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 Michael A. Valente.