Senate Resolution No. 2887

BY: Senator JORDAN

COMMENDING John Mesick 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 peace-time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend John
Mesick 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, to be presented at the Columbia County Honor a
Veteran Ceremony on Monday, August 29, 2022; 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, Born on October 4, 1924, to Juanita (Raught) and Ernest
Mesick, John "Jack" Mesick grew up in Ghent, New York; after graduating
from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly
served his country in the European Theater of Operations, participating
in the Liberation of Europe from D-Day to the signing of the armistice;
and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, John Mesick
was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, most notably, the
French Cross of War, signed by General Charles DeGaulle; and

WHEREAS, Upon his discharge, John Mesick returned to Columbia County
where he met and married his wife, the former Frances Gustafson;
together, they happily raised three children, Chris, Jim and Pati in
Chatham, New York; later, John and Frances were the loving grandparents
of seven grandchildren, Chase, Grayson, Emmett, Tyler, Ben, Erin, and
Emily; and

WHEREAS, John Mesick worked for the Columbia Rensselaer Telephone
Company for 45 years, and was actively involved in his community,
serving as Mayor, Police Chief, and Fire Chief; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his fellow veterans, John Mesick was a life
member of the Ghent Veterans for Foreign Wars, the American Legion in
Chatham, and the Ground Observer Corps; and

WHEREAS, John Mesick died on December 31, 2019, at the age of 95,
and was laid to rest at St. James Cemetery in Chatham, New York; 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,
John Mesick 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 John Mesick 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 John Mesick.