LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring World War II Veteran Robert O'Brien
posthumously upon the occasion of being recognized at the AFL-CIO Labor
Veterans Breakfast on May 30, 2011

WHEREAS, Members of the United States Armed Forces, who served so faith-
fully and courageously in wars in which our Nation's freedom was at
stake, as well as in the preservation of peace during peacetime, deserve
the highest commendation of this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, The dedication and sacrifices of our military personnel
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and is a defender of liberty for peoples throughout the
world; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is just proud to honor World
War II Veteran Robert O'Brien posthumously upon the occasion of being
recognized at the AFL-CIO Labor Veterans Breakfast at Michael's Banquet
House in Cohoes, New York, on May 30, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Robert O'Brien grew up in the Bronx, New York, attended St.
Joseph's Church, and went on to graduate from the Bronx's DeWitt Clinton
High School; and
WHEREAS, Robert O'Brien served valiantly in World War II from 1944
until the end of the war; his travels included China, Burma, and India;
he served bravely as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force and
as a Radar Operator aboard B-29 bombers during combat missions; and
WHEREAS, After the war, Robert O'Brien returned to New York City, met
his wife, Barbara, on a blind date, and in 1953, they were married; he
attended Manhattan College, worked as an accountant until 1968, and in
1974, relocated to Albany, New York, and opened a chiropractic office;
and
WHEREAS, On this Memorial Day 2011, a request to secure war medals in
memory of Robert O'Brien is being fulfilled as part of his dying wish to
obtain recognition he earned but never received during World War II, to
pass on to his grandchildren in his memory; and
WHEREAS, Robert O'Brien was a courageous combat veteran, a father, a
grandfather, and a lifelong New Yorker; his family was awarded very
special medals in tribute to his extraordinary service to our country
and his commitment to the family that will carry on his legacies for
generations come; and
WHEREAS, The family of Robert O'Brien is being awarded the Asiatic-Pa-
cific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, New York State
Conspicuous Service Cross, New York State Conspicuous Star, and Good
Conduct Army Medal; and
WHEREAS, Robert O'Brien's heroism and his incredible service to our
Nation should be commended; and
WHEREAS, Robert O'Brien is survived by his wife, his four daughters,
one son, and 11 grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is very pleased to have this opportu-
nity to express its gratitude to the men and women of the United States
Armed Forces for their tremendous sacrifice made for our Nation and for
the benefit of all Americans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor World War II Veteran Robert O'Brien posthumously upon the occasion
of being recognized at the AFL-CIO Labor Veterans Breakfast on May 30,
2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Robert O'Brien.