Senate Resolution No. 2367

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Raymond G. McKnight 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 Raymond G.
McKnight 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, Raymond G. McKnight, former resident of the Town of
Greenfield, New York, will be honored posthumously at the Saratoga
County Honor our Deceased Veterans Ceremony on Tuesday, August 18, 2026;
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, Raymond G. McKnight was born on August 9, 1925, in Porter
Corners, New York to parents Louis and Bertha Mae; he later graduated
from Saratoga Springs High School in 1944; and

WHEREAS, Raymond G. McKnight entered into the U.S. Army on March 13,
1944, where he served as a Combat Infantryman with Company F, 2nd
Battalion, 117th Infantry Regiment; and

WHEREAS, Arriving in the European Theatre on October 17, 1944,
Raymond G. McKnight joined his unit in fighting in and around Belgium
and the German border; he participated in the Battle of the Bulge before
crossing back into Germany; and

WHEREAS, A man of great courage and sacrifice, Raymond G. McKnight
received a Purple Heart for a wound he received in his arm on March 26,
1945, just two days after crossing the Rhine River; and

WHEREAS, For his valuable service in the war, Raymond G. McKnight
also received the WWII Victory Medal, The European African Middle
Eastern Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal; and

WHEREAS, Discharged from the U.S. Army on December 21, 1945, Raymond
G. McKnight held the rank of Private First Class; and

WHEREAS, Raymond G. McKnight married his beloved wife, Fay, in 1973,
and together, they had three adored daughters; and

WHEREAS, Upon his return from service, Raymond G. McKnight pursued
an 11-year career at the International Paper Company in Corinth before
joining the United States Postal Service in 1955, working diligently as
a rural letter carrier in Porter Corners and Greenfield, New York, and
retired in 1987; and

WHEREAS, An involved member of his community, Raymond G. McKnight
was a member of the Gull Gospel Assembly Church where he spent much time
working with local youth; he was also a charter member of the Greenfield
Fire Company No. 2; and

WHEREAS, In his leisure, Raymond G. McKnight enjoyed participating
in a Tuesday night bowling league and enjoyed hunting as an avid
woodsman with the Baldwin Hunting Club of Stony Creek; and

WHEREAS, With a life marked by bravery, selfless service to others,
and a deep love for his family and friends, Raymond G. McKnight died on
December 8, 1987; 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,
Raymond G. McKnight demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Raymond G. McKnight 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 Raymond G. McKnight.