Townsend Offers Final Salute for Slain Marine Oleski

Caption: Assemblyman Dave Townsend acknowledges First Lieutenant Joseph Manzi of Camp Lejeune’s Lima Company during a Veterans Day ceremony commemorating the “Marine Lance Corporal Blaise Oleski Memorial Highway” in Oleski’s hometown of Holland Patent, Oneida County.

(Holland Patent, NY) Assemblyman David Townsend (R,WF-Sylvan Beach) joined approximately 50 United States Marines and a crowd of 300 supporters on Veterans Day to offer a final salute to Blaise A. Oleski, a lance corporal killed in action on April 8 in Now Zad, Afghanistan. Local, state, and federal officials were also on hand for the ceremonial unveiling of a “Marine Lance Corporal Blaise Oleski Memorial Highway” marker on state Route 365. The memorial plaque was made possible through legislation Townsend sponsored in the New York State Assembly. Assemblyman Townsend served as master of ceremonies for the dedication event.

“What we lost on April 8 was a friend, son, soldier, and patriot,” said Townsend. “Blaise left behind a record of service and a legacy of selflessness that will continue to inspire those who knew him. I am grateful to Lance Corporal Oleski’s family, his fellow Marines who made the trip from North Carolina’s Camp Lejeune, and all those in attendance on November11. He is truly among our pantheon of heroes, and his memory will forever be preserved in this place.”

Townsend Offers Final Salute for Slain Marine Oleski

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