Senate Resolution No. 1297

BY: Senator WEBB

COMMENDING Lieutenant James H. Alexander, Jr.,
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 esteemed Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Lieutenant
James H. Alexander, Jr., 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, James H. Alexander, Jr., is a dedicated and exemplary
public servant who has spent his life tirelessly and selflessly working
to support the people of his community, uplift those around him, and
improve New York State's Southern Tier; and

WHEREAS, James H. Alexander, Jr., has lived a life defined by
service, dedication, and integrity; during World War II, he joined the
United States Navy's V-12 College Training Program which placed future
officers on college campuses to receive academic and leadership
training; the Program prepared him for his commission as a Lieutenant
Junior Grade, after which he served aboard the USS Denver in the
Atlantic during the closing years of the War; and

WHEREAS, After returning home, James H. Alexander, Jr., continued to
serve his country in a different way; he became an electrical engineer
and joined IBM's Federal Systems Division where he worked on military
and aerospace projects that strengthened America's defense during the
Cold War; his work reflected the same sense of precision and
responsibility that guided him throughout his military service; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his professional achievements, James H.
Alexander, Jr., gave back to his community through more than 30 years of
involvement in local sports, as a certified referee in high school and
college athletics, officiating football and ice hockey with fairness and
respect; when the ice rink at Grippen Park opened, he organized and
trained local referees, helping build a lasting hockey community in
Broome County; and

WHEREAS, An athlete throughout his life, James H. Alexander, Jr.,
stayed active well into his later years; he skied until the age of 89
and continued playing tennis and pickleball into his 90s; his lifelong
commitment to staying active reflects the discipline and determination
that have defined his century of life; and


WHEREAS, Reaching the age of 100 is an extraordinary accomplishment
and a testament to the wisdom, fortitude, and perseverance, which will
inspire generations, of James H. Alexander, Jr.; his 100th birthday is a
time to celebrate a century of outstanding achievements and recognize
the monumental mark that he has left on the hearts and minds of all
those who have had the honor of knowing him; and

WHEREAS, As he celebrates his 100th birthday on Veterans Day, James
H. Alexander, Jr., stands as an example of duty, perseverance, and
service to both country and community; his contributions represent the
very spirit of the New York State Senate Liberty Medal; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body does hereby encourage the entire
community to embody and live by the values demonstrated by James H.
Alexander, Jr., who has been an exceptional asset to the community and
worthy of the esteem of the entire community and the great State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism, both at home and abroad,
James H. Alexander, Jr., has 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 Lieutenant James H. Alexander, Jr., 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 Lieutenant James H. Alexander, Jr.