Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) on Monday introduced Oswego resident and Fulton City School District teacher Bill Cahill and his wife, Jennifer, on the Assembly floor. Mr. Cahill visited the Assembly Chamber in honor of Cpl. Carlton William Barrett Day, which will be commemorated on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, in the City of Fulton.

Leader Barclay sponsored an Assembly resolution to recognize the local day and to honor the World War II veteran posthumously. The full resolution can be read here. Earlier this year, the City of Fulton passed a local resolution designating June 6, 2023, as Cpl. Barrett Day.

The resolution can be viewed here.

“Bill’s work as an elementary teacher not only helps the kids learn about Cpl. Barrett’s bravery but it fosters a sense of pride for their community that many students have never experienced. Through this history lesson, they learn that bravery is not in the movies, or on just the athletic fields,” Leader Barclay said. “They learn real heroes can be born right in their own backyards. It also helps them to learn why it is so important that we celebrate and honor our veterans who are fighting daily to protect our freedoms. I am honored to recognize Bill for the work he does in the classroom and for keeping alive the deeds of this real-life hero, Cpl. Barrett.”

Cpl. Barrett, a Fulton native, received the Medal of Honor for his bravery on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Cpl. Barrett is credited with saving multiple lives and rescuing many of his fellow soldiers from drowning amid heavy enemy fire, despite being injured himself. In this lesson, the fifth-grade students at Volney Elementary School learn about local history, civics, leadership, community service and military honors.

Video of Leader Barclay’s remarks is available here.