Orleans County American
Legion Memorial Highway dedicated

Senator George D. Maziarz (62nd District) took part in a special ceremony May 21 dedicating the "Orleans County American Legion Memorial Highway." The event took place on the north side of Route 104 just east of the intersection with County Line Road, the location of a new road sign unveiled today marking the highway's designation.

"The brave veterans of the American Legion and other groups deserve thanks and recognition every day of the year for their service," Maziarz said. "This event was a special opportunity to reinforce the message that freedom is not free, and that we need to remember those who defend our great nation."

The Senate passed legislation, sponsored by Maziarz, to bring about the honorary name change in May 2004. The Assembly followed suit with similar legislation. At the dedication ceremony this morning, Maziarz presented a certificate from the governor commemorating his signature of the bill into law.

Mike Giglio, commander of Jewell Buckman American Legion Post #529 in Holley and chairman of the Orleans County American Legion Memorial Highway Committee, had written to Maziarz in April 2004 about the possibility of naming the highway in honor of the American Legion. Maziarz and Assemblyman Charles Nesbitt went to work and had the legislation approved. It was decided that an event would be planned to celebrate the designation on Armed Forces Day.

"We did it on Armed Forces Day because it's for veterans and the ones that are serving now, Giglio said. "We're trying to recognize everybody and get the families all together."