Senate Resolution No. 574 BY: Senator PARKER HONORING United States Army Sergeant Mario Nelson posthumously upon the occasion of the renaming of a street in Brooklyn, New York, in recognition of his heroic and remarkable life WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor United States Army Sergeant Mario Nelson posthumously upon the occasion of the renaming of a street in Brooklyn, New York in recognition of his heroic and remarkable life to be celebrated with a ceremony hosted at the corner of East 83rd & Ave N in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday, April 8, 2023; and WHEREAS, Sergeant Mario Nelson of Brooklyn, New York, honorably died on October 1, 2006, when he sustained injuries from a rocket-propelled grenade that detonated near his vehicle in Hit, Iraq; and WHEREAS, Born in the capital city of Haiti, Port-au-Prince, Mario Nelson was a hard-working, patient, loving, powerful, family-oriented and determined man who served his Nation and those he loved selflessly throughout his entire life; and WHEREAS, In June of 1999, Mario Nelson began his illustrious career of service after graduating from Westinghouse High and enlisting with the National Guard; and WHEREAS, Answering the call to help those in need after the tragedy of September 11, 2001, Mario Nelson participated in the recovery efforts at Ground Zero in New York City, New York; his experience from 9/11 led him to making the difficult decision to go on active duty to patriotically fight for the United States in a time of uncertainty; and WHEREAS, Sergeant Mario Nelson was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division in Friedberg, Germany, where he served bravely until his deployment to Iraq in January of 2006; and WHEREAS, Sergeant Mario Nelson truly exemplified the power of human compassion and the strength of the American spirit through actions of the most heroic magnitude; his sacrifices and selfless dedications merit tribute and recognition by all citizens of this great country; and WHEREAS, Survived by his wife, Mecca, and his daughter, Mia, Sergeant Mario Nelson exists in the loving memory of those close to him; Mecca and Mia, were with him throughout and both feel privileged to have been a part of his life and to have rejoiced in his accomplishments; and WHEREAS, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a very high price for those serving in the military in times of conflict; it is fitting and proper that we who are the beneficiaries of those who risk their lives, leaving their families behind, express our appreciation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Sergeant Mario Nelson posthumously upon the occasion of the renaming of a street in Brooklyn, New York, in recognition of his heroic and remarkable life; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Sergeant Mario Nelson.