August 22 Proclaimed John Daniel Hickey Day
By Joanne Michielsen
The Village of Brockport and the Town of Sweden kicked off their 250th Celebration Through the Centuries on August 22 by honoring hometown hero and Vietnam veteran John Daniel Hickey for his service, sacrifice, and dedication to our country.
A lifelong Brockport resident, Hickey was working as a member of the maintenance staff at SUNY Brockport when he was drafted into the United States Army in August 1968. During his time in the Army, he served as a rifleman and achieved the rank of Private 1st Class.
On April 27, 1969, while in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam, Private 1st Class Hickey, under intense hostile fire, began carrying wounded soldiers out of the embattled area. A platoon leader was mortally wounded and, again exposing himself to enemy fire, Hickey crawled to the platoon leader’s side and pulled him back to a secure area. This courageous act earned Hickey the Silver Star. John’s service in the U.S. Army lasted until August 1974, during which time he also earned the Bronze Star, the Air Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge.
At the ceremony, Monroe County Legislator Jackie Smith announced that August 22, 2026, had been proclaimed John Daniel Hickey Day in Monroe County, and Hickey received a Proclamation from the village, town, and county, along with state recognition from Assemblyman Steve Hawley and Senator Rob Ortt (represented by former Senator Joe Robach).
Hickey and his wife, Constance, have five children and 10 grandchildren. After his military service, John worked for General Electric and later Kodak. He is a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
John Daniel Hickey (front right) was recognized for his service and dedication to the country. He is pictured with his wife, Constance, and local officials at the ceremony on August 22. Photo from Facebook/Village of Brockport.
