Senate Resolution No. 778 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMENDING Robert R. Gordon Sr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony on June 10, 2019 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 peacetime, deserve a special salute; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Robert R. Gordon Sr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony to be celebrated on Monday, June 10, 2019; and WHEREAS, Robert R. Gordon Sr. was born on June 2, 1927, in Troy, New York, the son of the late Edward and Roselyn (O'Neil) Gordon; he attended Troy Public Schools; and WHEREAS, On April 5, 1945, Robert R. Gordon Sr. enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country as a Fireman First Class aboard the USS Vincennes; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Robert R. Gordon Sr. was awarded the American Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal and Victory Medal; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on August 1, 1946, Robert R. Gordon Sr. and the former Joyce Roberts were united in marriage in December of 1947, in Troy; and WHEREAS, Robert R. Gordon Sr. spent his illustrious career in the heater core department at Ford Motor Company in Green Island, New York, until his retirement; and WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, Robert R. Gordon Sr. was active in the Central Little League for many years and was honored with the league's Edgar Sousis Award during its 1988 Opening Day Ceremonies; and WHEREAS, In addition, he was a member of the Troy Lodge of Elks and a communicant of St. Patrick's Church; and WHEREAS, Robert R. Gordon Sr. died on May 25, 1988, at the age of 60, and is buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Troy; he leaves behind seven surviving children, William, Gary, Kevin, John, Lyn, Kathy and Janice; as well as 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; 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 his patriotism both at home and abroad, Robert R. Gordon Sr. demonstrated his love for his country and merits forevermore the highest respect of his 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 Robert R. Gordon Sr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony on June 10, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Robert R. Gordon Sr.