"Today New York and America salutes the brave soldiers of the C Company of the 2/108th Infantry Battalion who helped deliver Thomas Hamill to safety. Called to duty as members of the National Guard, these soldiers have demonstrated more than just courage and bravery - they have demonstrated their commitment to our nation and to the American people.

This is the kind of event that fills us with gratitude. These brave New Yorkers played an important role in saving the life of Thomas Hamill. He will surely never forget seeing the countrymen who led him from danger.

We hope these events will bring courage and pride to those who are serving in Iraq, resiliently going about their task of bringing peace and freedom to a nation."

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