Senate Resolution No. 3120

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Vincent J. Cerniglia posthumously upon
the occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

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 from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Vincent J.
Cerniglia posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate, to be presented at the Schenectady County
Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at the VFW Post
357 in Schenectady, New York; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Vincent J. Cerniglia was born on December 6, 1915, in
Schenectady, where he attended high school; and

WHEREAS, At the age of 27, Vincent J. Cerniglia entered into the
United States Army, proudly serving his country during World War II; as
1st Sergeant, he was involved in three pivotal events in the war; he
fought in the Battle of the Bulge, stormed the shores of Normandy on
D-Day, and helped liberate prisoners at the Buchenwald Concentration
Camp; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Second World War,
Vincent J. Cerniglia was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Good
Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal, as well as the
European, African, and Middle Eastern Campaign Medals; and

WHEREAS, After his discharge on January 9, 1946, Vincent J.
Cerniglia returned to his hometown and worked as a machinist for General
Electric; at the time of his retirement, he held the title of Engineer;
and

WHEREAS, In addition, Vincent J. Cerniglia served as a part-time
Schenectady County Deputy Sheriff for eight years; a true public
servant, he also established the Civil Defense Auxiliary Police, holding
the position of Chief for many years; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Vincent J. Cerniglia was an
active participant of VFW Post 357, the Holiday Ramblers, the

Schenectady County Conservation Council, and was a 4th Degree member of
the Knights of Columbus; and

WHEREAS, Vincent J. Cerniglia was a faithful congregant of the
Immaculate Conception Church in Glenville, New York, where he served as
a devoted usher; and

WHEREAS, Known as the man who could fix anything, Vincent J.
Cerniglia was a renowned master woodworker and a gunsmith; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his loving wife of 72 years, June
Fitzpatrick Cerniglia, Vincent J. Cerniglia is survived by his two
children, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren; 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 his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Vincent J. Cerniglia demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore, the highest respect of his 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
commend Vincent J. Cerniglia posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Vincent J. Cerniglia.