ASSEMBLYMEN SLATER, STERN PASS BILL TO AWARD NEW YORK STATE COLD WAR COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL TO VETERANS
- kyra840
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Qualified veterans will now be eligible to receive a New York State Cold War Commemorative Medal following the passage of bill A.8087 (originally A.5869), introduced by Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) and Assemblyman Steve Stern (D-Huntington). The legislation honors the service of thousands of New Yorkers who served in the U.S. military during the Cold War, a nearly 50-year conflict that shaped the modern global order.
The Cold War marked an era of political and military tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. New York veterans who served during this time played a critical role in defending freedom and liberty around the world. Although the state currently offers a Cold War Certificate, this new medal provides veterans physical recognition of their service that aligns with military regulations, similar to commemorative medals awarded in other states like New Mexico, Louisiana and Texas
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“The Cold War was a defining period in world history, and the brave men and women who served during that time deserve to be recognized,” said Slater. “It’s long overdue for New York state to honor these veterans with a meaningful, tangible symbol of their service. With the support of my colleague Assemblyman Steve Stern, we were proud to pass this bill in the Assembly and move one step closer to giving our veterans the recognition they have earned.”
“As Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee of the New York State Assembly, I am proud to work with my colleague, Assemblyman Matt Slater, to pass this vital piece of legislation, recognizing the sacrifice and bravery of our Cold War veterans who are too often overlooked,” Assemblyman Steve Stern said. “This bill represents New York State’s profound gratitude to our veterans and ensures that New York’s veterans receive the honor and commemoration they deserve.”
Town of Kent Highway Superintendent and local veteran Richard Othmer said, “Having served in the Marine Corps from 1974 to 1980, we trained knowing we could be called into conflict with the Soviet Union at any time. I’m grateful to Assemblymen Slater and Stern for making this happen and ensuring those who served during this defining period are finally recognized and honored.”