Senate Resolution No. 1045

BY: Senator HINCHEY

COMMENDING George Ernest Kinnicutt 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 George
Ernest Kinnicutt 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, George Ernest Kinnicutt was born on August 11, 1955, in
Hudson, New York, to Albert Ralph and Clara Lousi (Bailey) Kinnicutt; he
grew up in Columbia County and attended Ichabod Crane Central School,
graduating in 1975; and

WHEREAS, In January 1979, George Ernest Kinnicutt enlisted in the
United States Army Reserves in Rensselaer, New York; after completing
basic training, he underwent advanced instruction in carpentry and
masonry at the 4th Brigade United States Army Training Center at Fort
Leonard Wood, Missouri; and

WHEREAS, Following his active duty service of eight months and 24
days, Private George Ernest Kinnicutt was assigned to the 464th
Engineers Battalion in Schenectady, New York, a unit supporting the
vital mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and

WHEREAS, Private Kinnicutt completed his enlistment with distinction
and was honorably discharged from the United States Army Reserves on
July 27, 1984; and

WHEREAS, George Kinnicutt married the former Lori Pula, and together
they raised two daughters, Rebecca and Melissa, in their cherished home
in Prospect Hills, North Chatham, New York; and

WHEREAS, A hardworking and reliable member of his community, George
worked for over four decades at L & B Factory Warehouse and later for
five years at Hannaford in Valatie, New York; and

WHEREAS, George Kinnicutt was widely known and admired as a
dedicated family man, a supportive husband and father, and a generous
individual always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need; and

WHEREAS, Proud of his military service and deeply committed to his
community, George Kinnicutt's life stands as a testament to the values
of service, responsibility, and quiet heroism; and

WHEREAS, George Ernest Kinnicutt passed away at the Albany Stratton
VA Medical Center in Albany, New York, on January 4, 2025, at the age of
69, leaving behind his beloved wife Lori, his daughter Rebecca, and his
grandson Robert, along with a legacy of service and love; 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 his patriotism both at home and abroad,
George Ernest Kinnicutt 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 George Ernest Kinnicutt 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 George Ernest Kinnicutt.