Senator Kemp Hannon (second from left), with Dr. Nicholas Vernice, Kevin Calame, and Dr. Thomas Demaria as they proudly display their Liberty Awards. Senator Kemp Hannon (sixth Senate District) recently honored residents of his district for participating in the Gulf Coast Hurricane relief effort.

Six Garden City residents were among the more than 35 honorees that received the New York State Liberty Award, at a ceremony held at the Wisdom Lane Middle School, Levittown. The Liberty Award, one of New York States most prestigious awards, is given to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic or humanitarian acts and achievements on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers and their community.

" All of the honorees have one thing in common, " said Senator Hannon, "they and their families, put the needs of others before themselves. They gave selflessly to alleviate the pain of a fellow human being. I commend the simple humanitarian acts of kindness, and generosity extended by these folks towards our neighbors to the south. By their own account , these are seemingly ordinary people, who provided comfort and hope for many, during extraordinary circumstances."

Garden City's Nancy Morreale shows off her Liberty Award at Senator Hannon's awards ceremony honoring Gulf Coast Hurricane Relief Volunteers. Note: The efforts of Wayne Ulrich and Robert Strong of Garden City (not pictured) were also recognized with Liberty Awards.