YATES COUNTY, NY (WENY) -- A decorated Army veteran from Yates County is now forever memorialized along State Route 14 in Yates County. Friends, family, and veterans gathered at Bravery Winery in Dresden on Friday to remember and honor Army Sergeant James S. Hayes.

"It's an honor, it's a somber event. But it's an honor knowing James is probably smiling down (on us) right now," said Phil Rouin, a U.S. Navy veteran.

Sgt. Hayes was a Bronze Star recipient who served two tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. The highway sign was made possible in part through state legislation, driven by Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano.

Hayes, who suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), passed away in a fatal crash where he drove off a bridge on State Route 14 over the Keuka L

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