Senate Resolution No. 2212

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Sergeant Michael Uvanni 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 Sergeant
Michael Uvanni 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 Uvanni was born in Rome, New York, to his loving
parents Kevin and Janet Uvanni, in 1977; he graduated from Rome Free
Academy with the Class of 1996; and

WHEREAS, In December of that same year, Michael Uvanni joined the
United States Marine Corps and served as mortar man until December 2003;
in January of 2004, he joined the New York Army National Guard's 2nd
Battalion 108th Infantry in Morrisonville, New York, where he again
served as mortar man; and

WHEREAS, After being promoted to the esteemed rank of Sergeant,
Michael Uvanni gave the ultimate sacrifice in Samarra, Iraq, after being
mortally wounded on October 1, 2004; he died at the age of 27 and is
buried in St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Rome; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Michael Uvanni loved this great country and wanted
to be part of making a difference in the world; 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,
Sergeant Michael Uvanni 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 Sergeant Michael Uvanni 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 Sergeant Michael Uvanni.