Senate Resolution No. 2948

BY: Senator KENNEDY

COMMENDING Dr. George J. Burnett 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 Dr. George
J. Burnett 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 on December 18, 1969, Dr. George J. Burnett proudly
served his country as a member of the United States Army, retiring with
the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; later, he continued his military service
as a member of the New York Army National Guard (NYANG); and

WHEREAS, Dr. George J. Burnett began his long and distinguished
career in psychiatry as the Director for the Buffalo Psychiatric Center
at the Buffalo VA Hospital; he then went to work for the New York State
Office of Mental Health, where he continues to be employed today; and

WHEREAS, After the deadly terrorist attacks in New York City on the
morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, Dr. George J. Burnett was
activated for duty with the Co C (-) Medical, 342 Forward Support
Battalion, NYARNG, and performed his assigned duties at Ground Zero for
two months; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his assignment, Dr. George J.
Burnett chose to stay onsite to provide much needed psychiatric care to
both soldiers and civilians; and

WHEREAS, Dr. George J. Burnett worked tirelessly day and night to
help anyone he could, whether it was in the burning pit, triage
stations, or the surrounding streets in the triage zone; and

WHEREAS, During this time, Dr. George J. Burnett refused to accept
his military checks for what he called his duty to help his fellow
Americans; and

WHEREAS, In the days and years following this horrific event, Dr.
George J. Burnett always made himself available to help those
individuals as they dealt with the devastating emotional aspects of the
events of 9/11; and

WHEREAS, In the faithful performance of his duties and volunteer
efforts, Dr. George J. Burnett's commendable endeavors truly contributed
to bettering the quality of life for those who were deeply affected by
the cowardly acts of terrorists; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Dr. George J. Burnett 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 Dr. George J. Burnett 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 Dr. George J. Burnett.