Governor Signs Bill Memorializing Highway After Fallen Soldier

A portion of New York State Highway 44/55 in Ulster County will be renamed in honor of United States Army Sergeant Shawn Michael Farrell II under legislation signed into law Thursday.  The legislation (S.7824) was sponsored by Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) and pays tribute to the young soldier killed on April 28th in Afghanistan.

“Every man and woman who dons a United States military uniform sacrifices for our nation and our way of life,” said Senator Seward.  “Sergeant Shawn Michael Farrell II made the ultimate sacrifice and we owe it to him and his family to keep his memory alive.  I appreciate Governor Cuomo joining in swiftly signing this legislation to honor Sergeant Farrell’s bravery, courage, and unwavering allegiance to his country and his fellow soldiers.” 

Sgt. Shawn M. Farrell II, 24, of Accord, New York, died April 28, in Nejrab District, Kapisa province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Fort Drum, New York.

Senator Seward’s bill designates the portion of New York State Route 44/55 from the intersection of New York State Route 209 in Wawarsing to the intersection of New York State Route 299 in Gardiner as the “Sergeant Shawn Farrell II Memorial Highway”.

“It is especially fitting that this bill is signed into law as we mark our nation’s Independence Day.  With so many Americans traveling along memorial highways to visit parks and other monuments,  I hope everyone takes note of the names attached to our historic landmarks and says thank you for all our servicemen and women have done to protect our freedoms and way of life,” Seward concluded.

Senator Seward posthumously awarded Sergeant Farrell with the state senate’s Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the New York State Senate, in recognition of his sacrifice and service to his country.  Senator Seward also sponsored a special senate resolution (J.4858) in tribute to Sergeant Farrell.