Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli (129th Assembly District-Syracuse, Towns of Geddes and Van Buren) is pleased to announce the NYS Assembly today passed bill A.8704-A designating the hymn “Here Rests in Honored Glory” as the Official State Hymn of Remembrance for all American Veterans. The hymn was composed by former OCC Professor Emeritus, Dr. Donald Miller and has been played in memory of our service men and women at events and ceremonies across the world.

“I was pleased to sponsor this legislation in honor of our veterans and military,” said Assemblyman Magnarelli. “Dr. Miller’s moving composition is a fitting tribute to those that served and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”

OCC President Dr. Casey E. Crabill said, “On behalf of the entire OCC Campus Community and most especially OCC Professor Emeritus, Dr. Donald B. Miller whose outstanding talents created such a revered tribute to our Nation’s fallen veterans, we express heartfelt appreciation to Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, for his sponsorship and dedicated efforts along with the entire Assembly to proclaim ‘Here Rests in Honored Glory’ as the official New York State Hymn of Remembrance. It has been the leadership of Assemblyman Magnarelli, widely known for his dedication to our military and host of the annual CNY Veterans Parade and Expo, which has resulted in the Hymn proclaimed today…on such an important day as our Nation’s Flag Day.”

For 31 years, Dr. Donald Miller served as Professor of Music at Onondaga Community College, and is now Professor Emeritus. Dr. Miller has over one hundred thirty published pieces of music ranging from choral works to two separate ensemble series. His choral work, “Here Rests in Honored Glory” received the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge George Washington Medal of Honor award in the fall of 2009. “Here Rests in Honored Glory” is played annually on June 6th during the Ceremonies recognizing the Anniversary of the Normandy Invasion at the Normandy Museum, France. Dr. Miller received a medal from the Normandy Museum which was given to all Heads of State that commemorated the 70th Anniversary of D-Day in 2014. Dr.

Miller generously donated the original score of “Here Rests in Honored Glory”, and the medals received for the work to Onondaga Community College.

Assemblyman Magnarelli is hopeful the Senate will pass the legislation before the end of the 2018 State legislative session.