In honor of New York State’s upcoming Yellow Ribbon Day, Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C,I,Ref-Ballston) joined several legislative colleagues in honoring active military service members on the floor of the New York State Assembly on Thursday, March 22. The commemorative celebration, championed by Clifton Park resident Carol Hotaling, pays tribute to these men and women’s bravery and sacrifice by making large yellow ribbons and collecting donations for the Blue Star Mothers in a series of events culminating with an annual Yellow Ribbon Day ceremony. Hotaling derived the inspiration for Yellow Ribbon Day from the story of Matt Maupin, the first prisoner of war from the Iraqi War.

Today, Walsh joined lawmakers in passing a resolution designating Monday, April 9 as “Yellow Ribbon Day,” across the state of New York, while introducing Carol Hotaling, Town of Halfmoon Supervisor Kevin Tollisen, Deputy Supervisor and Councilman Paul Hotaling, Staff Sgt. Brittany Foster, Staff Sgt. John Cox and Staff Sgt. Stephanie Lambert of the 109th Airlift Wing, Staff Sgt. Leonard W. Doan and Jamie Margelot.

“Carol Hotaling’s efforts promoting Yellow Ribbon Day, both here in Saratoga County and across our state, are a testament to the importance of giving back to the brave men and women who protect and serve our country,” said Walsh. “For this incredible observance to have originated here in the 112th district is a tremendous source of pride for us all, and I am proud to join Carol in carrying the spirit of Yellow Ribbon Day forward, not only on April 9, but throughout this year and beyond.”