Bill Text: NY J02479 | 2021-2022 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Commending Robert D. Smith posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2022-05-10 - ADOPTED [J02479 Detail]

Download: New_York-2021-J02479-Introduced.html

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Senate Resolution No. 2479

BY: Senator JORDAN

        COMMENDING  Robert  D. Smith posthumously upon the
        occasion  of  his  designation  as  recipient  of  a
        Liberty  Medal,  the  highest honor bestowed upon an
        individual by the New York State Senate

  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 from this Legislative Body; and

  WHEREAS,  This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Robert D.
Smith posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient  of
a  Liberty  Medal,  the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate; and

  WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established  by
Resolution  and  is  awarded  to  individuals  who  have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf  of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

  WHEREAS, Robert Douglas Smith was born on April 14, 1926, to William
H.  Smith and Carrie May (Rockenstyre) Smith in Colonie, New York; and

  WHEREAS,  On June 5, 1943, Robert D. Smith and the former Shirley L.
Dissosway were  united  in  marriage,  and  together  they  raised  five
children, Robert, James, Ann, Donald and Pamela; and

  WHEREAS,  Robert  D. Smith proudly served his country as a member of
the United States Navy during World  War  II  from  March  20,  1944  to
February  27,  1946;  as a Fireman first class, he served in the Pacific
Theater and in the Battle of Leyte Gulf during  the  liberation  of  the
Philippines; and

  WHEREAS,  For  his  courageous service, Robert D. Smith received the
American Theatre Medal, Victory  Medal,  Asiatic-Pacific  Theatre  Medal
with 6 stars, and the Philippine Liberation Medal with 1 star; and

  WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his valiant military service, Robert
D.   Smith resided in Lansingburgh, New York; he worked for Troy-Bilt as
a machine repairman for eight years and retired  from  Schaefer  Brewing
Company  in Albany, New York, where he worked as a Class A Truck Driver;
and

  WHEREAS,  With  a  steadfast  and  unwavering  commitment   to   his
community,  Robert  D.  Smith  was  a member of the Teamsters Local 294,
Brewery Workers 1015 and the National Tin Can  Sailors  Association;  he
was also a past member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 469; and

  WHEREAS, Robert D. Smith died on December 3, 1991, at the age of 65;
he is buried at Elmwood Hill Cemetery in Troy, New York; and

  WHEREAS,  In  addition  to his wife and children, Robert D. Smith is
survived  by  12  grandchildren,  Daniel,  Robert,  Erin,  Chad,  Jared,
Victoria, Richard, Benjamin, Andrea, Erica, Sarah and Ellen; 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  risked  their
lives for their beloved Nation; and

  WHEREAS,  Having  exhibited  his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Robert D. Smith  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   D.  Smith  posthumously  upon  the  occasion  of  his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor  bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Robert D. Smith.