Senator Ritchie is pictured at Tuesday’s ceremony with John Halford.

A St. Lawrence County man was inducted into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame at a ceremony held Tuesday at the State Capitol.

State Senator Patty Ritchie honored John Halford as her 2014 inductee from the 48th Senate District.

Entering the U.S. Marine Corps at age 17, Halford served in the Raider Battalion that was part of the daring raid on Makin Island during World War II.

After his honorable discharge, he returned to Gouverneur, finished high school, and went on to SUNY Canton, which at the time, was known as the Agricultural and Technical Institute.

“It’s a remarkable thing for a person to put defending our nation and our freedom above all else by serving as a member of the United States Armed Forces,” Ritchie said.

Since retiring, John and his wife have played an active role in helping to improve the lives of people in the North Country, especially through his work as a member of the SUNY Canton Foundation Board of Directors.

“That’s what makes John Halford so deserving of this special honor. For years, he sacrificed so much for his country and even after his honorable discharge he has continued to give back; working tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of people in our region.”

Mr. Halford was one of more than 24 veterans nominated for the program who were recognized at a ceremony held last week at the USO Fort Drum.

To learn more about this year’s honorees, visit www.ritchie.nysenate.gov.