Saratoga County Honors Korean War Veteran Earl Cielo with County and State Distinctions

Saratoga County held its monthly Honor Deceased Veteran ceremony on Feb. 19, 2026, to recognize Technical Sergeant Earl Cielo for his service in the Korean War and decades of civic involvement.

Frank McClemon, director of the Saratoga County Veterans Agency, opened the program and provided a detailed account of Cielo’s military record, saying Cielo entered the U.S. Army on Nov. 13, 1952, served as an infantryman with E Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, fought in battles including Old Baldy and Pork Chop Hill, and was honorably discharged on Nov. 12, 1954. McClemon listed awards cited for Cielo’s service, including the Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.

"Through the Saratoga County Honor Deceased Veterans program, we ensure that his name is forever remembered in Saratoga County," McClemon said. The program, established in 1999, is described by county staff as the county’s highest honor for deceased veterans.

Family members and local officials offered personal remembrances. Eric Butler, town supervisor for Corinth, recalled childhood and community memories of Cielo and presented a plaque from the town board dated Feb. 19, 2026, honoring Cielo’s military service and civic contributions. McClemon and Butler emphasized Cielo’s years of service to youth organizations and local volunteer efforts.

County and state officials presented formal recognitions. Craig Haynor, Saratoga County clerk, read a commemorative citation; Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby said his office would present the family with a certificate of appreciation. New York State Assemblyman Matt Simpson delivered an Assembly citation.

New York State Senator Jim Tedisco presented the New York State Senate Liberty Award posthumously, calling it "the state’s highest honor" and noting the award’s review process and unanimous vote requirement in the Senate commission that approves recipients. Reed Kronos, representing U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, presented a U.S. flag flown over the Capitol and a congressional record proclamation that will be entered into the Congressional Record.

County staff also noted that photographs and mementos honoring Cielo will be on public display in the county building for 30 days. McClemon thanked county volunteers and staff who supported the program, including American Legion members and van driver Rich Lindsey. Ian Murray, chair of the county Veterans Affairs Committee, presented a county certificate and offered additional words of tribute.

The indoor portion of the ceremony closed with county historian Lauren Roberts leading attendees in "Amazing Grace," followed by a closing prayer from Chaplain Paul O’Keefe. McClemon then invited family members to remain for a photograph with elected officials before the flag-raising ceremony outside.

The county said the Honor Deceased Veterans displays will remain available to the public at the county building for about 30 days.