Likely it was a bit of both.

During a ceremony Friday at the Fredonia American Legion, a section of Route 20, in the village of Fredonia was officially renamed the “Sergeant Jonathan Gollnitz Memorial Highway.”

Young sponsored legislation in the state Senate and Assemblyman Andrew Goodell (R-Jamestown) sponsored legislation in the state Assembly renaming the highway in Sergeant Gollnitz’ honor. Members of Sergeant Gollnitz’ family attended the event.

A native of Fredonia, Sergeant Gollnitz, 28, was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.

OBSERVER Photo by Gregory Bacon State Sen. Cathy Young spoke during the Sgt. Jonathan Gollnitz Memorial Highway Dedication Ceremony unveiling Friday.

He was killed on September 26, 2012, while on a combat operation in Pul-e-Alam, about 60 miles south of Kabul in Logar Province, Afghanistan, due to injuries caused by a suicide bomber.

“Sergeant Gollnitz is a true American hero. He selflessly stepped forward to serve his country, knowing that it could cost him his life,” Young said.

“He grew up travelling this road. It is appropriate that we remember him by renaming it in his honor. This roadway will stand as a testament to Sergeant Gollnitz’ patriotism, and serve as a reminder to everyone who travels on it, what the true cost of our freedom is.”

Before going to Afghanistan, Sergeant Gollnitz had served in Iraq. He also served five years in the U.S. Navy prior to joining the U.S. Army. According to family and friends, he said he joined the Army following his Navy service, “to be closer to the action.”

Young introduced the legislation to rename the roadway after the Chautauqua County Legislature adopted a resolution requesting that the road be named in Sergeant Gollnitz’ honor.

OBSERVER Photo by Gregory Bacon Above are some of the pictures of Sgt. Jonathan Gollnitz that were on display at the Fredonia American Legion Friday.

“Chautauqua County has a long and proud history of its sons and daughters serving in our armed forces,” Young said. “Like so many brave members of our U.S. military before him, Sergeant Gollnitz was willing to place himself in harm’s way to defend our great nation. He was willing to fight and die to protect the freedoms we hold so dear. His bravery and valor stand as examples for all of us to live by.”

Assemblyman Goodell said it is fitting that a piece of his hometown will carry Sergeant Gollnitz’ name forever.

He, too, was holding back his tears, remembering the sacrifice of Sgt. Gollnitz. Goodell’s own daughter was a member of the Marine Corp, around the same time Sgt. Gollnitz served.

“Army Sergeant Gollnitz, a native of Fredonia, made the ultimate sacrifice to our country when he lost his life during a roadside bombing in Afghanistan in 2012. With the unanimous support of County Executive George Borrello and the Chautauqua County Legislature, Senator Young and I sponsored this bill to remember and honor this brave American. It is so important to keep this hero in our hearts and minds,” Goodell said.

Borrello, who grew up in Fredonia, said the community is thankful for Gollnitz. “We don’t often recognize those that made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.

OBSERVER Photo by Gregory Bacon Sgt. Jonathan Gollnitz’s family attended the sign unveiling. Pictured above are (from left) brother Noah, father Alan, mother Kim, brothers Tyler, Nick, and Kirk, along with Sen. Cathy Young and Assemblyman Andy Goodell. They are holding a replica sign that will be placed on Rt. 20 in Fredonia. Sgt. Gollnitz was killed on Sept. 26, 2012 while in Afghanistan.

Susan Rowley with the Blue Star Mothers, said they stand with the Gollnitz family, who are a Gold Star family, because of their loss. “I never knew Jonathan but I’ll never forget him,” she said. “He will never be forgotten.”

Sgt. Gollnitz was a 2002 graduate of Southern Tier Levant Christian High School in Falconer. He served in the U.S. Navy from 2006 to 2011, and joined the Army in 2011. At the time of his death, he was a 19D20 Calvary Scout, serving at the front lines of combat operations.

The sign unveiled Friday was a replica of one that will be installed on Route 20 in a few weeks.

Sunday is Young’s final day in office. After the Friday’s ceremony, Young said the best part of her job has been honoring and supporting the military.

“We owe our freedom to the courage and sacrifice of countless brave members of our military like Sergeant Gollnitz,” Senator Young said. “They died for us and it is up to us to remember them with reverence, and pray that the day will come when such great sacrifice is no longer required.”