In Honor of Veterans Day, Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Recognize New Yorkers Who Served Our Country With Distinction

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to commemorate the service of veterans across the state by renaming portions of the New York State highway system in their honor. Governor Hochul also signed two pieces of legislation that establish commemorative medals; one for the Iraq War and the other for the Afghanistan War.

“Our veterans served honorably, and these dedications and new commemorations will serve to solidify their legacies and ensure we always remember the sacrifices they made to protect our freedoms,” Governor Hochul said. “My hope is that New Yorkers ponder those sacrifices every time they cross one of these roadways so that these heroes may live on for years to come.”

S.6898A/A.5039A designates a portion of the state highway system in the Town of Irondequoit, Monroe County, as the Major General Norbert J. Rappl Memorial Highway. Major General Rappl was a Korean War veteran and a lifelong resident of Irondequoit.

State Senator Samra Brouk said, “Major General Norbert J. Rappl had a lasting impact on the Greater Rochester Area—through his 35 year career in the Armed Forces, his commitment to his faith and spiritual community, and through his consistent volunteerism with local organizations and veterans’ groups. His actions symbolized the best of what we can be when we are motivated by service to our community, state, and nation. I’m honored to have been able to work alongside Governor Hochul, Assemblymember Sarah Clark, and other partners in government to ensure that Major General Rappl’s legacy is honored in our region.”

Assemblymember Sarah Clark said, “Major General Norbert Rappl dedicated his life to his family, his country, and his community. His legacy is evident throughout the entire greater Rochester area, as a charter member of Rotary Club of Irondequoit, founding member of Christ the King Church, along with his decades of service to veterans, service organizations and industry groups. As commanding general of the US Army Reserve 98th Division for many years, he helped train thousands of soldiers stationed in Rochester. I am proud to have introduced the legislation that dedicates this portion of NY-590 as the Major General Norbert J. Rappl Memorial Highway. We can ensure his name and legacy will forever greet both residents and visitors as they enter his beloved home town of Irondequoit.”

S.4900A/A.5261A renames a portion of State Route 9 in the Town of Fishkill, Dutchess County, as the Sergeant Elijah A. Briggs Memorial Highway. Sergeant Briggs fought for the Union Army during the Civil War and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor after being wounded in service. Sergeant Briggs raised his family in Fishkill after being honorably discharged.

S.4897A/A.5315 renames a portion of Route 82 in the Town of Fishkill, DutchessCounty, the Corporal Derick Franklin Brinckerhoff Memorial Highway. Corporal Brinckerhoff was a resident of Fishkill when he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1948. In 1950, during the Korean War, he was killed in the battle of Pusan. Corporal Brinckerhoff was later awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice.

S.4899A/A.5314A designates a portion of Route 52 in the Town of Fishkill, Dutchess County, the Chief Daniel Nimham Memorial Highway. Chief Nimham was the chief of the Wappinger People and joined the American cause during the American Revolution. Chief Nimham was killed in action.

State Senator Rob Rolison said, “This is a proud day for the people of Fishkill and our Hudson Valley community as a whole. A native son, Purple Heart recipient, and war hero will be enshrined for the appreciation, respect, and emulation of future generations. Corporal Brinckerhoff served his country with the utmost honor and bravery. Though we can never fully repay his sacrifice, nor indeed the sacrifices of all our courageous veterans, we can continue to acknowledge their legacy. I am grateful for Governor Hochul helping us to do just that by signing this legislation into law today.”

S.7070/A.7415 designates a portion of Route 63 in the Town of Pavilion, Genesee County, as the SP4 George Harold Fry Memorial Highway. Specialist Four Fry served in the United States Army in Vietnam. SP4 Fry died in 1969 on Hill 996 while performing radio transmission office duties that saved the lives of many other members of his unit. For his service, he was posthumously awarded the Silver and Bronze Star medals.

State Senator George M. Borrello said, “I want to thank Governor Hochul for signing this legislation and Assemblyman Steve Hawley for co-sponsoring the bill to honor Specialist Fry. It’s important that we remember the valor and service of the brave men and women who sacrifice their lives for our freedom. Specialist Fry was a decorated combat veteran who gave his life serving his country. Now this roadway, which he traveled many times, will serve as a reminder to all who use it that freedom is not free. It’s secured through the selflessness and bravery of people like Specialist Fry.”

Assemblymember Steve Hawley said, “As an Army veteran and member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, I was honored to sponsor this proposal recognizing one of Western New York’s most valiant, Specialist George Harold Fry. It's fitting that this highway is being memorialized at the same time we're remembering those who served on Veteran's Day. For generations to come, the SP4 George Harold Fry Memorial Highway will stand as a testament to Specialist Fry’s heroism and commitment to his country and freedom.”

S.2905/A.4033 designates a bridge on Route 22 crossing over Interstate 87 in the Town of Chesterfield, Essex County, as the Lance Corporal Scott Lee Schultz Memorial Bridge.

S.6579A/A.6624A designates the portion of Route 219 crossing over Shero Road in the Town of Boston, Erie County, as the Specialist Gerald B. Penn Memorial Bridge. Specialist Penn served in the US Army during the Vietnam War and earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

S.6580/A.6567 designates the bridge on Route 75 crossing over Eighteen Mile Creek in the Town of Eden, Erie County, as the Specialist Peter J. Loretto Jr. Memorial Bridge. Specialist Loretto served in the US Army during the Vietnam War and earned the National Defense Service Medal.

State Senator Patrick Gallivan said, “Specialist Penn and Specialist Loretto bravely served their country in Vietnam. Designating these highway bridges in their honor pays tribute to these decorated veterans and will help ensure their service and sacrifice is never forgotten.”

S.4085A/A.5814A renames a portion of State Route 121 in the Town of Lewisboro, Westchester County, as the John Jay High School Memorial Highway in honor of the John Jay High School students who lost their lives in service to our country: Pfc. Kenneth Richard Jaconetti, Lt. Cmdr. George Russell Matthews, Pfc. Philip Grant Chipchase, Lance Cpl. Howard J. Alaimo, Cpl. James J. Jackowski, and Cpl. Bert D. Corcoran.

State Senator Pete Harckham said, “Thank you, Governor Hochul, for signing this legislation. Designating a section of Route 121 in the Town of Lewisboro as the ‘John Jay High School Veterans Memorial Highway’ was a community-wide effort to ensure that six alumni who died while in service to our country will always be remembered. It is also a reminder of the sacrifices that members of our armed forces and their families and loved ones make. We are always better when we commemorate the valor and heroism of our veterans, knowing that their courage and deeds stand as an abiding example for us all.”

Assemblymember Chris Burdick said, “We can never fully express our gratitude to the John Jay High School alumni who died in service to our country, but with the renaming of this road, we will ensure their memories are never forgotten. My thanks to Grant Vialardi and the Lewisboro Veterans Advisory Committee for their inspiration and assistance in getting this legislation passed.”

S.5834/A.5673 designates a portion of the state highway system in Orange County as the Catholic War Veterans Memorial Highway.

State Senator James Skoufis said, "By designating the Catholic War Veterans Memorial Highway in Orange County, we ensure many of our local veterans’ legacies live on. I thank Governor Hochul for signing our bill."

Assemblymember Christopher Eachus said, “Veterans Day gives us time to truly reflect and recognize those brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have served and made great sacrifices for the freedoms that we enjoy. For my district, bill A5673 to designate the Catholic War Veterans Memorial Highway is a small but powerful way to honor the positive impact these and many other groups for our local communities. I thank Governor Hochul for recognizing the importance of this bill, and for her stark commitment to all veterans of New York.”

S.5394A/A.119A establishes the Iraq War Commemorative Medal for members of the armed forces serving abroad in the Iraq War from March 20, 2003 through December 31, 2021.

S.5372A/A.121A establishes the Afghanistan Iraq War Commemorative Medal for members of the armed forces serving in the Afghanistan War from October 7, 2001 through August 30, 2021.

Assemblymember William Magnarelli said, “Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans served with valor and courage. The New York State commemorative medals offer recognition and appreciation to those who served in these wars. All veterans deserve recognition for their service and sacrifice, as well as recognition.”