Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation back in August naming a portion of the Route 60 highway that runs through Jamestown in Cooper’s honor. The dedication ceremony was attended by State Assemblyman Andy Goodell, R-Jamestown, who sponsored the legislation; County Executive George Borrello; Susan Rowley, president of the Blue Star Mothers; Katrina Fuller, who was representing U.S. Rep. Tom Reed; Greg Carlson, director of Veteran Service Agency; Barbara Cessna, project coordinator of Vets Finding Vets; Frank Cirello, Region 5 director of the state Department of Transportation; and former State Sen. Cathy Young.

“It’s important to recognize those individuals who have stepped up and put their lives on the line for the very freedoms and way of life we take for granted,” Goodell said at Friday’s ceremony. “If we don’t honor those who went ahead of us and make sure they have a permanent place in our history and in our memories, their sacrifice will fade.”

Goodell said by putting up the sign and naming part of Route 60 after Cooper, his name will forever be remembered as a hero.

“It’s an incredible statement about commitment not just to America, but to another country on the other side of the world,” Goodell said.

Cooper was a lifelong resident of the county. He was a member of the U.S. Army’s, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, based out of Fort Drum, N.Y.

Rowley said whenever she goes to Jamestown, she will now get to see the sign.

“I might not have met him,” she said, “but I will never forget him.”

Cooper’s family was in attendance for Friday’s ceremony; his father, Charles Cooper Sr., was grateful for the recognition his son received.

“I feel like a million dollars. My whole family is here,” he said. “He did what he wanted to do. He was a wild man, just like the rest of his brothers.”

Cooper was killed April 29, 2005, in Baghdad, just two weeks after receiving the Purple Heart Award. He had graduated from high school 10 months before and had immediately signed up for the military. Despite suffering injuries from an improvised explosive device and receiving the Purple Heart, he immediately went back in the line of duty.

Along with the Purple Heart, Cooper had received the Army Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge and a Bronze Star.

“We in America take for granted the freedoms that other countries might not have and that our soldiers fight for,” Goodell said. “And the unique thing about Charles he didn’t give his life in America. He gave his life in a foreign country so that they could have the opportunity to realize what we have here.”

Borrello proclaimed Oct. 25 as Charles Cooper Jr. Day to honor his memory.

“For generations, many of Chautauqua County’s finest and bravest young men and women have left home and family to serve in our military and safeguard the liberties we cherish,” Borrello said. “Their duties often require them to endure hardships and sacrifices we cannot imagine, as we go about our busy lives, secure in the knowledge that they are protecting us.”

“PFC Cooper was one of these hometown heroes and, sadly, one who made the ultimate sacrifice for us,” he continued. “Memorializing this roadway in his name will serve as a tribute to him and a reminder to all who pass here that our freedoms are a gift that many have given their lives defending.”

The ceremony, instead of starting with the Pledge of Allegiance and Presentation of Colors, ended with them. The reason, Goodell said, was that it changed the meaning and showed the importance of what they stood for by placing them at the end.

“Charles understood that peace was not just an absence from war,” Carlson said. “True peace is justice. True peace is freedom. Men like Charles fought to make this country just. Private Cooper’s last act was an act of love.”