Senate Resolution No. 20

BY: Senator BRESLIN

        COMMENDING  Anthony  F.  Schmitz posthumously upon
        the  occasion  of  his   designation   for   special
        recognition  by Albany County at its Honor a Veteran
        Ceremony on October 1, 2018

  WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of  New  York,
who  have  served  so  valiantly  and  honorably  in  wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of  peace
in peace-time, deserve a special salute; and

  WHEREAS,  It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those  who  have
served in times of peace; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this  Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to
commend  Anthony  F.  Schmitz  posthumously  upon  the  occasion  of his
designation for special recognition by Albany  County  at  its  Honor  a
Veteran  Ceremony  on  Monday, October 1, 2018, at North Albany American
Legion Post No. 1610 in Albany, New York; and

  WHEREAS, In June of 1993, a  committee  was  formed  by  the  Albany
County  Veterans  Bureau  known  as  the  Albany  County Honor A Veteran
Committee; the committee was formed to honor a  deceased  Albany  County
veteran  who  has  served  his  country in time of conflict; the Honor A
Veteran Program takes place monthly on the first Monday of  each  month;
and

  WHEREAS,  For  his  courageous and dedicated service to his country,
Anthony F. Schmitz  will  be  recognized  posthumously  at  this  year's
October Honor A Veteran Ceremony; and

  WHEREAS,  Anthony  F.  Schmitz was born on July 30, 1924, in Albany,
New York; and

  WHEREAS, From March 12, 1943 until December  22,  1945,  Anthony  F.
Schmitz proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army
during  World  War  II; he was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 157th Infantry
Regiment, 45th Infantry Division where he held the rank of Private First
Class E3; and

  WHEREAS, For his  selfless  bravery,  this  courageous  soldier  was
awarded    the   Bronze   Star   Medal;   Army   Good   Conduct   Medal;
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Bronze  Arrow  Head,
Silver  Star  and  Bronze Star; World War II Victory Medal; World War II
Occupation Medal with Germany clasp; New York State Conspicuous  Service
Cross;  New  York State Conspicuous Service Star; Army Presidential Unit
Citation; Combat Infantry Badge and French Croix de  Guerre  with  palm;
and

  WHEREAS,  Upon  the  completion  of his military service, Anthony F.
Schmitz returned to the Capital District where he  worked  as  a  postal

clerk  for  USPS  and  served  as  a  caseworker  for  the Albany County
Department of Social Services; and

  WHEREAS,  Devoted  to  his community and fellow veterans, Anthony F.
Schmitz was a vital member of the American Legion North Albany Post  and
enjoyed  working  with  children  at the Albany School of Humanities and
visiting hospital patients through the Catholic Diocese; and

  WHEREAS,  For  his  steadfast  and  unremitting  commitment  to  his
community,   Anthony   F.   Schmitz   was   inducted   into   both   the
Mohawk-Battalion ROTC Hall of Fame and the  Bishop  Maginn  High  School
Hall of Fame; and

  WHEREAS,  Anthony  F.  Schmitz died on November 25, 2017, in Albany,
New York, at the age of 93; and

  WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must  recognize
that  no  greater  debt  is  owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to  be  missing
in action; and

  WHEREAS,  Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and  merit
forevermore the highest respect of their State and Nation; and

  WHEREAS,  Our  Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
commend  Anthony  F.  Schmitz  posthumously  upon  the  occasion  of his
designation for special recognition by Albany  County  at  its  Honor  a
Veteran Ceremony on October 1, 2018; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Anthony F. Schmitz.