On Monday, representatives of former NYS Senator Bill Larkin (Cornwall-On-Hudson) were joined by representatives of NYS Department of Transportation, Gold Star Family members, local officials and veterans for a dedication and sign unveiling of Gold Star Families Memorial Highway. The bill was sponsored in the Assembly by former Assemblyman Frank Skartados.
This legislation was one of the final bills Senator Larkin passed during his last term in the New York State Senate. This bill is one of many that honor our veterans and their families passed by Senator Larkin during a span of four decades in the NYS Legislature.
“Families who have lost a loved one in service to our Nation have made the ultimate sacrifice and I am proud to honor them with the dedication of State Route 300 in Newburgh as ‘Gold Stars Families Memorial Highway,’” said Senator Larkin. “The unveiling and dedication today shows that these families and the sacrifices they have made will never be forgotten.”
“I am thankful that this bill has been signed into law and I very much appreciate the effort made by Senator Larkin,” said Renate DeAngelis, a Gold Star Mother and Orange County resident. “Having this very busy State Highway honor the memory of my son and millions of other men and women we have lost is a very special and appropriate gesture.” ET2 Christopher W. DeAngelis had been assigned to the U.S.S. Stark, when he was killed in action in the Persian Gulf on May 17, 1987.
“During his time serving in the Legislature and beyond, Senator Larkin continues to fight for our veterans and their families.” said Senator Skoufis. “Now, when our community and its visitors drive on Route 300, the Gold Star Families Memorial Highway, they will be reminded of the ultimate sacrifice that service members make for our safety and freedom. I congratulate Senator Larkin on this unveiling and thank him for his dedication to our armed forces and veterans.”
“I am proud to know that the Town of Newburgh is home to Gold Star Families Memorial Highway,” said Gil Piaquadio, Supervisor of the Town of Newburgh. “Our Town Board was excited at the opportunity to request this legislation working with Senator Larkin and to honor these families who have sacrificed so much for our country.”
The Gold Star first made an appearance during World War I by being placed over a service flag’s blue star when a service member was killed in combat. The Gold Star served to honor the service members and their families for their sacrifice.
Gold Star Families Memorial Highway covers a portion of NYS Route 300 from the intersections of NYS Route 52 and NYS Route 17K. Signs have been placed at both intersections.