GOSHEN – Orange County Executive Edward Diana formally conveyed support of the county to Gov. David Paterson, to designate a portion of State Route 32 as the “156th Field Artillery Memorial Highway”.

State Senator William Larkin is promoting the effort to honor the 156th.

“This is one more example of Senator Larkin’s on-going effort to honor and remember the sacrifices of our nation’s Armed Forces”, said Diana.

The memorial highway would begin near the Kingston Armory, which was a headquarters for the 156th Field Artillery, then travels south along Route 32 and terminates hear the Newburgh Armory, which also played an important role in the history of the unit.

The 156th Field Artillery (First New York) was first constituted in the New York National Guard from existing companies in eastern New York, on March 21, 1898.  The unit was mustered into federal service for the Spanish-American War, then served in World Wars I and II.