February 28, 2026
By State Senator Tom O’Mara
The State Senate annually undertakes two programs giving state senators representing legislative districts throughout New York, including our own 58th District across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, the opportunity to honor area citizens who have made difference-making contributions to local communities, the state, and our nation.
I’m referring to the Senate’s annual “Veterans Hall of Fame” and “Women of Distinction” tributes, and I’m glad to take the opportunity in this week’s column to share a reminder that the nomination process for each recognition is underway until Monday, March 23.
Remember that nominees must reside within the 58th Senate District, which encompasses Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, and Yates counties, and part of Allegany County (the towns of Alfred, Almond, Amity, Andover, Birdsall, Burns, Grove, Independence, Scio, Ward, Wellsville, and Willing).
On the importance of honoring the service of our veterans, America’s first President, George Washington, famously said, “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”
The Senate established its online Veterans Hall of Fame in 2005. It seeks to honor New York State veterans whose service in the United States Armed Forces has been accompanied by service to the community and accomplishments as a civilian. As I mentioned, veterans representing Senate districts statewide are annually selected for induction. My colleagues and I conduct induction ceremonies within our respective legislative districts and in Albany coinciding with veteran-related observances throughout the year (this year’s statewide induction ceremony in Albany will be held in late May to coincide with Memorial Day).
So many veterans served our nation courageously and honorably and then returned home to lift the lives of their local communities. The Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is just one more way to give a local veteran a well-deserved and well-earned expression of our gratitude and admiration.
Nomination letters for the Veterans Hall of Fame should include a short biography highlighting the nominee’s military and civilian service, including awards and achievements, and be e-mailed to omara@nysenate.gov.
The same can be said for the “Women of Distinction” award. This year marks the 28th annual time the Senate has put out the call to honor local women making outstanding contributions to area communities. It’s become one of the Senate’s most meaningful recognitions and I look forward to this annual opportunity to recognize an outstanding area citizen.
The first woman appointed to serve as a United States Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O’Connor, once said, “As society sees what women can do, as women see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we’ll all be better off for it.”
We all know someone who makes an enormous difference to the community at large. Whether she is a service provider, law enforcement officer, teacher, nurse, business leader, public servant, or simply a community resident known for her good deeds, I’d like to see her recognized.
Women of Distinction nominations can be submitted online at www.omara.nysenate.gov (see the Women of Distinction banner near the top of the home page) or e-mailed to omara@nysenate.gov.
You can find out more about the Veterans Hall of Fame and the Women of Distinction tribute on my website at the address mentioned above, including the biographies of those I’ve been able to recognize over the past 15 years.
It stands as a compilation of some of the very best of those who have lived, served, worked, and volunteered among us in our communities.
It’s an enduring salute to those who have truly and remarkably made a difference to the quality, strength, and success of our region over the years.
