PAYING TRIBUTE
Woman honored for recognizing military with Yellow Ribbon Day
CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. » A patriotic Saratoga County woman was recognized at the state capitol recently for her efforts in establishing Yellow Ribbon Day in New York State, in memory of American service members.
Carol Hotaling, of Rexford, was honored on the floor of the state Assembly where an official proclamation was passed.
She was joined by Assembly members John McDonald, D-Cohoes and Mary Beth Walsh, RBallston, Clifton Park Supervisor Phil Barrett and close friend, Beverly Czub, who helps Hotaling with her Yellow Ribbon Day efforts.
“Each year, Yellow Ribbon Day is championed by Carol Pingelski Hotaling, a resident of New York’s 112th Assembly District, who began by making yellow ribbons to donate to the family members of troops deployed during Operation Desert Storm,” said Tess Galarneau, McDonald’s spokesperson. “She is an outstanding member of our community who has dedicated a great deal of time and energy to creating this amazing day for our troops.”
Hotaling chose April 9 for Yellow Ribbon Day because it was on that date, in 2004, that U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Matt Maupin was captured while serving in Iraq. He was
the first U.S. military service member who went missing-in-action during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Maupin died in Iraq. Yellow Ribbon Day pays tribute to troops past and present.
“Those currently enlisted in the military are often left out on Veteran’s Day,” Galarneau said. “This resolution, and the commemorative day of recognition, ensures that our troops who are serving our country receive the acknowledgement and thanks they deserve.”
In part, the resolution says, “Residents of this great state must never forget the courage with which these men and women served their country.”
It also pays tribute to Hotaling and others who have “devoted countless hours distributing yellow ribbons around the State of New York to heighten awareness and support of our service men and women.”
A similar resolution was also introduced in the senate by state Senator Neil
Breslin, D-Delmar.
“It was an honor to be invited to the capitol, by both Democrats and Republicans,” Hotaling said. “It’s an example of people working together to honor America and our troops.”
In addition, U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam, had a statement read into the Congressional Record commemorating Yellow Ribbon Day in New York.
Yellow Ribbon Day is officially observed each year with a program at Halfmoon Town Hall.
“Carol Hotaling stands as a beacon of goodwill, and an outstanding member of our community by virtue of her dedication to creating a meaningful occasion to honor our troops,” Tonko said.
Carol Hotaling, of Rexford, was honored on the floor of the state Assembly where an official proclamation was passed.