LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring George Heron upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the New York State Medal for Merit

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose military service was extraordinary and
resulted in decorations for achievement and meritorious service, and
especially for the receipt of the New York State Medal for Merit; and
WHEREAS, It is also the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize
and honor distinguished individuals who have dedicated their lives to
the preservation of heritage and ideals in their communities in this
great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
George Heron upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
New York State Medal for Merit with two silver shield devices and one
gold shield device, in accordance with the criteria outlined in the
Division of Military and Naval Affairs Regulation 672-1; and
WHEREAS, George Heron, with his zest for life and for the heritage of
the Seneca Nation of Indians, has celebrated his 91st birthday; he was
born on February 22, 1919, to David and Flora Tallchief Heron in the Red
House community; and
WHEREAS, George Heron valiantly served his country in direct support
of combat operations in World War II as a pharmacist mate first class,
assigned to United States Navy Amphibious Forces and was awarded three
citations; the American Defense Medal for service during a Presidential-
ly-declared national emergency; the American Campaign Medal; the
European/African/Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three campaign
stars; the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three campaign stars; and
the Philippine Liberation Medal with two campaign stars for direct
participation in the liberation of the Philippines from the military
forces of Japan; and
WHEREAS, This honored veteran served as Commander of the American
Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535, and as events coordinator for Seneca mili-
tary veterans; in addition, he is a member of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars; and
WHEREAS, This venerable gentleman has also distinguished himself
through his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the Sene-
ca Nation as an historian, linguist and teacher, and as well as Presi-
dent of the Seneca Nation for two terms in 1958 and 1962; and
WHEREAS, For the past 50 years, he has helped organize and manage the
Jimersontown Presbyterian Church's annual Indian Foods Dinner and has
provided the dinner's invocation in the Seneca language for more than 50
years; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man has been repeatedly honored for
support of his community through his outstanding involvement, including
service as an Elder of the Presbyterian Church, member of the Iroquois
National Museum Board of Directors, representative to the New York State
Department for the Aging, and leader of the Iroquois Agricultural Socie-
ty; and
WHEREAS, This dedicated family man has made substantial contributions
to his family as both a father and a grandfather; he has raised three
wonderful children, Tyler, David and Gloria; and is the proud grandfa-
ther of seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and one
great-great-grandchild; and
WHEREAS, George Heron has enriched the lives of those around him
through his belief in the power of brotherly love and the wisdom which
comes only from a fullness of years; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor George Heron upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the New York State Medal for Merit; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to George Heron.