Senate Resolution No. 2947

BY: Senator KENNEDY

COMMENDING Louis R. Palma 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, 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Louis R.
Palma 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

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, Born in Buffalo, New York, Louis R. "Sonny" Palma and his
family moved to Derby, New York, where he attended Hamburg High School
before enlisting in the United States Navy at the young age of 15; in
2007, he was surprised with a diploma from his alma mater; and

WHEREAS, From 1943-1946, Louis R. Palma proudly served his country
as a rear gunner on an Avenger torpedo bomber in the South Pacific
during World War II, seeing action in Saipan, Okinawa, Guam, and the
Philippines; and

WHEREAS, Louis R. Palma returned to New York, and studied business
administration at Canisius College for two years, before he was recalled
to active duty and assigned to the USS Philippine Sea off the coast of
Korea until 1952; and

WHEREAS, Upon his discharge from the Navy in 1953, Louis R. Palma
enlisted in the United States Air Force, and received his degree from
Canisius College in 1955; and

WHEREAS, During his time in the Air Force, Louis R. Palma served in
numerous capacities, such as flight engineer during the Vietnam War; in
1988, he officially retired from the Air Force Reserves after a
meritorious 45-year career with the military; and

WHEREAS, From 1959-1963, Louis R. Palma worked as an accounting
supervisor at the General Motors Chevrolet plant, and later, owned and
operated an accounting firm; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his community, Louis R. Palma was a Town of
Evans Councilman from 1962-1966, and again from 1968-1972; he also
served as deputy Erie County clerk from 1969-1975, and held the title of
Business Administration and Fiscal Officer for the federal Comprehensive
Employment and Training Act programs; and


WHEREAS, In 1982, Louis R. Palma assumed the role of business
administrator for the Lake Shore Central school system, and in 2000, he
was appointed director of Erie County Veterans Services; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his many civic roles, Louis R. Palma was a
life member of the Highland Hose Volunteer Fire Company and a
commissioner for the North Evans Fire District for 15 years; and

WHEREAS, When he was not working or helping someone, Louis R. Palma
enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife, Sharon, and their two
cherished children, Hank and LuAnn; and

WHEREAS, Louis R. Palma died on August 14, 2014, at the age of 86;
and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Louis R. Palma 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 Louis R. Palma 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 Louis R. Palma.