Senate Resolution No. 914

BY: Senator JORDAN

COMMENDING Robert R. Gordon Jr. 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; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Robert R.
Gordon Jr. 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 celebrated at the
Rensselaer County Honor a Deceased Veteran Program on Monday, June 10,
2019; 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, Robert R. Gordon Jr. was born on November 8, 1948, in Troy,
New York, the son of the late Robert R. Gordon Sr. and Joyce F.
(Roberts) Gordon; he attended Troy High School, graduating with the
Class of 1966, and went on to earn a degree from Siena College in 1970;
and

WHEREAS, On August 25, 1973, Robert R. Gordon Jr. and the former
Patricia Howard were united in marriage in Troy; and

WHEREAS, Robert R. Gordon Jr. proudly served his country as a member
of the United States Army from 1970 until 1972; he went on to serve in
the National Guard, retiring in 2008; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Robert
R. Gordon Jr. was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his military career, Robert R. Gordon Jr.
worked as a Classification and Payroll Specialist for the New York State
Department of Civil Services, retiring in 2003, after more than 30 years
of dedicated service; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, Robert R. Gordon Jr. was a
44-year member of the Troy Elks No. 141, serving as past Exalted Ruler,
past State Vice President and past Deputy Director; he was also a proud
lifetime member of the Veterans of Lansingburgh; and

WHEREAS, Robert R. Gordon Jr. died on August 10, 2018, at the age of
69, and is buried at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery,
Schuylerville, New York; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his brother, Bruce, and sister , Cecelia,
Robert R. Gordon Jr. is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughter,
Heather; siblings, William (Karen), Roselyn (late Joseph), Kathleen
(William), Janice, Gary (late Linda), Kevin (Kelly) and John; and four
aunts, Sandy, Gerri, Lorraine and Louise; as well as several nieces and
nephews; 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,
Robert R. Gordon Jr. 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 Robert R. Gordon Jr. 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 Robert R. Gordon Jr.