Senate Resolution No. 2718

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Emily J. Adams posthumously upon the
occasion of her 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 Emily J.
Adams posthumously upon the occasion of her 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 April 1, 1932 in Amsterdam, New York, to parents
Nicholas and Mary, Emily J. Adams graduated from Perth Central Schools
before earning an English/Teaching degree from Potsdam and Skidmore
Colleges in 1978; and

WHEREAS, Emily J. Adams entered the United States Navy on December
26, 1951, as a member of the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency
Service (WAVES); and

WHEREAS, An integral part of a cadre of women who paved the way for
future women in the military, Emily J. Adams proudly served at the US
Naval Air Station in Hutchinson, Kansas as an Airport Control Operator;
and

WHEREAS, Emily J. Adams was honorably discharged on March 29, 1954,
at the rank of Air Traffic Controller Petty Officer 3rd Class; for her
valiant service to her country, this extraordinary woman was awarded the
National Defense Service Medal; and

WHEREAS, Emily and Harry Adams were united in marriage on March 30,
1958, and together they raised three children, Nicholas, Douglas, and
Valerie; and

WHEREAS, Emily J. Adams worked as an English teacher for Ballston
Spa School District for 20 years before retiring in 1998; she was a
member of the National Educators Association (NEA); and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Emily J. Adams enjoyed playing the piano at church, crafts,
and traveling with her family; she died on January 24, 2000; 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 risked their
lives for their beloved Nation; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited her patriotism, Emily J. Adams
demonstrated her love for her 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 Emily J. Adams posthumously upon the occasion of her 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 Emily J. Adams.