LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Anthony Thomas posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County
at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on October 13, 2015

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; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Anthony Thomas posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony
which was celebrated on October 13, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Thomas was born on March 24, 1924, in Albany, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Thomas proudly served his country with honor and
distinction as a member of the United States Coast Guard, and later as a
member of the United States Navy; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and medals for his outstand-
ing service, Anthony Thomas was awarded the American Area Medal, Victory
Medal, European-African Middle-Eastern Area Medal, Asiatic Pacific Area
Medal and the Philippine Liberation Medal; and
WHEREAS, After completing his distinguished military service, Anthony
Thomas worked as a Sales Representative for the former Bearing Distribu-
ters in Troy for 32 years; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Thomas has been called upon to contribute his time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of himself unstintingly; he was an active volunteer with the RPI
Athletic Department and Troy Youth Hockey, and was involved in the Troy
Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, Frear Park Twilight Golf League and
Taconic Lake Association; and
WHEREAS, A loving husband to his wife Helen, Anthony Thomas was a
caring father to their five children, Andrea, Charles, Mary-Beth,
Robert, and Paul, and a doting grandfather to his numerous grandchil-
dren; 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 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
honor Anthony Thomas posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor-A-Veteran
Ceremony on October 13, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Anthony Thomas.