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Senate Passes Legislation For Medal Of Honor Day

July 25 could soon be a day to remember New Yorkers who have achieved one of the highest honors.

Sen. Terrence Murphy voted to designate July 25 Medal of Honor Day in New York.

Sen. Terrence Murphy voted to designate July 25 Medal of Honor Day in New York.

Photo Credit: Contributed

The State Senate recently passed legislation to make July 25 a day to remember those given the Medal of Honor.

There has been 666 Medal of Honors awarded to New Yorkers dating back to the Civil War.

"These brave souls are true American heroes," Sen. Terrence Murphy (R-Yorktown). Having a day to formally recognize them across New York State gives us another opportunity to acknowledge and thank them for their extraordinary courage."

Eugene Lang, a Purple Heart recpient for his time Vietnam, praised the senate for passing the legislation.

"These men and women were extraordinarily brave, putting their lives on the line," Lang said. I' only seventy or so Medal of Honor winners still alive in the country. I think it is an excellent idea to dedicate a day in their honor because they deserve the recognition."

Mount Kisco Mayor Michael Cindrich also had praise for the legislation. 

"These heroes deserve their place in history next to the state's most familiar names," Cindrich said. "Their actions demonstrate what we as a people can do when faced with adversity."

Among the many local heroes awarded a Medal of Honor was Civil War soldier William Brewer.

A resident of Putnam County, Private Brewer served with the 2nd New York Cavalry at Appomattox in 1865, capturing the engineering flag of the Army of North Virginia. 

Croton Falls native Private Howard Buckley received the Medal of Honor for his actions during a series of battles in March and April in 1899 in the Philippins.

The legislation has been sent to Assembly.

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