Senator Steve Saland (R, I, C - Poughkeepsie) today announced that the Senate has passed his legislation that provides authority to the Adjunct General to present a burial flag to those who have honorably served in the New York Guard (S.1431).

When an individual enlists in the New York Guard, he or she accepts responsibility to serve the State in times of emergency. Additionally, if their unit is activated by the President they are prepared to serve their country, at home or abroad. Currently, Federal law furnishes flags to State Guard veterans only if they have been activated and called to serve abroad.

“This legislation is designed to ensure that all individuals who are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and have honorably fulfilled the terms of duty, are appropriately honored by the State,” stated Senator Saland.

This bill has been sent to the Assembly.