The Times Square memorial for New York Army National Guard Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Francis Duffy shines on October 16, 2008. The City of New York rededicated Father Duffy Square after years of renovations and restoration for the heroic World War I National Guard veteran of the city's famous 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, the Army's illustrious "Fighting 69th." The unit has served as a National Guard military force in the nation's Civil War, Mexican Expedition of 1916, World War I, World War II and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Most recently, hundreds of New York City, Long Island and Hudson Valley Soldiers from the 69th volunteered to deploy for service in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.
DMNA Press Releases
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Times Union -- Wed, 15 Jul 2026 Leaders urge Hochul to sign bill renaming Patroon Island Bridge for Henry Johnson Naming the bridge in honor of Black WWI hero would correct present-day attempts to whitewash history, state Sen. Pat Fahy said ALBANY Under hazy skies from Canadian wildfire smoke that state... (more)
WTEN -- Wed, 15 Jul 2026 Lawmakers urge renaming Patroon Island Bridge after Henry Johnson ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) Multiple state lawmakers and members of the Harlem Hellfighters Veterans Association, Albany Chapter are continuing to push for the renaming of a Capital Region bridge.... (more)
USA Today Network -- Thu, 09 Jul 2026 Why are flags at half-staff in NY today? What to know Flags on all New York state government buildings will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Thursday, July 9, in honor of Cottekill Fire Department Chief David A. Gagnon, who died... (more)