Senator Andrew Lanza today honored Staten Island veteran George Parsons upon the occasion of his induction into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. Senator Lanza had the privilege of presenting his honoree, George Parsons, with a suitably engrossed, framed copy of the New York State Resolution which honors the distinguished inductees. The 2012 inductees were recognized at a special ceremony in the Capitol today. Parsons traveled to Albany with his wife Kathleen and four other family members to accept the award.
The New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame was created in 2005 to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from across the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life. The Hall of Fame provides an expression of gratitude and admiration for their meritorious service to our nation.
“George Parsons’ meritorious service to our nation is outstanding and worthy of special recognition in the Veterans’ Hall of Fame,” said Senator Andrew Lanza. “This wall tells a larger story of courage, honor and integrity. The rights and privileges we enjoy are protected because of the service of others, and I am proud to present them and their stories by this small gesture of appreciation.
In May of 1950, George E. Parsons enlisted in the 955th Field Artillery Battalion, National Guard, Brooklyn, New York. In August of 1950, the National Guard was activated to the United States Army, and George Parsons and his comrades were shipped to Pusan, South Korea shortly after. He received numerous awards for his service in Korea, including: the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, the Korean Service Medal with four (4) battle stars, the United Nations Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the New York Conspicuous Service Star and the Ambassador of Peace Medal from the President of Korea.
Mr. Parsons is a life member of the Cpl. Allan F. Kivlehan Chapter of Korean War Veterans, the Rawley Post American Legion in Brooklyn and the Halloran Memorial Chapter of Disabled American Veterans.
“Through the Veterans’ Hall of Fame, the Senate has created a way to say thank you and honor people like George Parsons who give freely of themselves in an effort to make the world a better place,” said Lanza. “For all his sacrifices, on the battle field and at home, I salute George E. Parsons as an extraordinary human being.”
Parsons’ photograph and biography can be found at nysenate.gov/story/george-e-parsons [2]. A full list of inductees, past and present, can be found on the Veterans’ Hall of Fame website at nysenate.gov/veterans-hall-of-fame [3].
If you would like to recommend a Staten Island Veteran for induction into the 2013 New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame contact Senator Lanza's office.
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