J 1298: Commending Nicholas Gasparre 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

 Senate Resolution No. 1298 BY: Senator ROLISON COMMENDING Nicholas Gasparre 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 Nicholas Gasparre 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, Nicholas Gasparre was honored by the Dutchess County Honor a Veteran Committee during their Honor a Veteran Ceremony which was held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025; and WHEREAS, Nicholas Gasparre was born on August 22, 1988, to a family with a history of military service; and WHEREAS, Filled with a desire to serve his community, Nicholas Gasparre began his legacy of public service at the age of 14 when he became a volunteer firefighter with the Beekman Fire Department; and WHEREAS, Inspired by the military service of two of his brothers and motivated by the events of September 11, 2001, Nicholas Gasparre made the decision to enlist in the Marine Corps on January 25, 2010, at the age of 21; and WHEREAS, Nicholas Gasparre began his military journey at the Marine Corps Communications and Electronics School in 29 Palms, California, and was then stationed at Cherry Point, North Carolina, with the Marine Air Support Squadron 1 (MASS 1), MACG-28 2D MAW; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service and dedication, Nicholas Gasparre achieved the rank of Lance Corporal (E3) and earned several commendations, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; and WHEREAS, After his discharge, Nicholas Gasparre continued his legacy of public service by joining the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, where he received the Meritorious Service Award and the Patriot Award; and WHEREAS, Outside of his career, Nicholas Gasparre sought out camaraderie and community, and he became a founding member of The League Hudson Valley, which is a golf league for first responders; and WHEREAS, Nicholas Gasparre had a strong love for dogs, music, the acoustic guitar, dinosaurs, and "Jurassic Park"; those who had the pleasure of knowing Nicholas will remember him for his humor, kindness, laughter, and ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life; and WHEREAS, Nicholas Gasparre died on November 15, 2024; 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, Nicholas Gasparre 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 Nicholas Gasparre 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 Nicholas Gasparre.