Sen. Patty Ritchie has announced that she is now accepting nominations for the New York State Senate’s “Veterans Hall of Fame.”

This program is designed to honor veterans across the Empire State who have made an impact in both their civilian and military lives.

“There are so many local veterans who have made tremendous sacrifices to protect and defend the freedoms we enjoy each and every day,” said Ritchie. “Not only have these men and women selflessly served our country, they have also served their communities in their civilian lives. I am looking forward to honoring another group of our local heroes for their service, patriotism and citizenship.”

Friends, family, veterans’ posts and community members from Oswego, St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties are encouraged to nominate veterans for the honor.

Nomination forms are available on Senator Ritchie’s website—www.ritchie.nysenate.gov—or by calling (315) 782-3418. All nominations are due by May 1st, which begins National Military Appreciation Month.

In recent years, Senator Ritchie has honored dozens of local veterans through the Veterans Hall of Fame initiative. Individuals recognized have included those who have fought in some of history’s most dangerous battles, including, the Invasion of Normandy, Iwo Jima and the Battle of the Bulge, as well as more recent conflicts in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.