LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life and accomplishments of
George E. Decker Sr., distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Former 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, Attendant to such concerns, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to celebrate
the life and accomplishments of George E. Decker Sr., distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community; and
WHEREAS, George E. Decker Sr. will be honored posthumously on Friday,
May 24, 2013, at the United States Postal Service Albany Employees'
Memorial Day Ceremony in Colonie, New York; and
WHEREAS, George E. Decker was born on July 1, 1913; he was a graduate
of Christian Brothers Academy in Albany and Manhattan College in New
York City; and
WHEREAS, After graduation, George E. Decker joined and was commis-
sioned 2nd Lieutenant, Infantry, United States Army; he served in the
European Theater during World War II as the Company Commander of the
801st Tank Destroyer Battalion; and
WHEREAS, George E. Decker served with distinction during the Normandy
invasion and the Battle of the Bulge, receiving the Bronze Star medal;
and
WHEREAS, After the war, George E. Decker continued serving within, and
completed a 40 year career with, the New York National Guard, achieving
the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; and
WHEREAS, George E. Decker was also a dedicated employee of the United
States Postal Service in Albany, New York, serving as Superintendent of
Mails and later transitioning to Labor Relations as a Regional Hearing
Officer for the New York District before his retirement in 1974 after 35
years of service; and
WHEREAS, An active member of his community, George E. Decker was a
longtime member of both the Nathanial Adams Blanchard American Legion
Post and the Bethlehem Memorial VFW Post; he also volunteered with the
American Red Cross and the Albany Association of the Blind; and
WHEREAS, George E. Decker Sr. was the loving husband of his wife of 54
years, Peggy, and the proud father of seven children; he died on March
1, 2006; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their 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
celebrate the life and accomplishments of George E. Decker Sr., distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of George E. Decker Sr.