LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Charles Clayton Pratt Jr. posthumously
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensse-
laer County at its Honor-A-Deceased Veteran Ceremony on May 12, 2014

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 peace-
time, deserve a special salute; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Charles Clayton Pratt Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his desig-
nation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor-A-De-
ceased Veteran Ceremony on Monday, May 12, 2014, at the Rensselaer Coun-
ty Office Building's Hall of Heroes, Troy, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Hall of Heroes is a Memorial Display honoring those
courageous men and women of Rensselaer County, past and present, who
serve their country in a time of conflict; the Honor-A-Deceased Veteran
Ceremony, held monthly, is a celebration of an honoree's civilian life,
military career, and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Charles Clayton Pratt Jr. of Troy, New York, was born Febru-
ary 17, 1933, to Charles Clayton Pratt Sr. and Helen Ester (Coonradt)
Pratt; he attended Troy public schools before enlisting with the United
States Air Force in August 1955; and
WHEREAS, Charles Pratt served his country with honor and distinction
for more than 22 years, earning the Air Force Longevity Service Award
and the Good Conduct Medal; and
WHEREAS, Upon separating from his distinguished service with the rank
of Staff Sergeant in February 1972, Charles Pratt worked at the Waterv-
liet Arsenal, from which he eventually retired; and
WHEREAS, Charles Pratt was devoted to his family; he was married to
the former Patricia Harriet Johnston, and the proud father of Denise,
Lori, Charles, Robin, David, Carol and Kelly; he especially delighted in
spending time with his many grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Charles Pratt, a lifetime member of Veterans of Lansingburgh,
continually exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad; and
WHEREAS, He died May 27, 2012, and was buried at Saratoga National
Cemetery; and
WHEREAS, For his courageous and dedicated service in the United States
military, Charles Clayton Pratt Jr.'s name will be added to the Hall of
Heroes on a plaque listing other deceased veterans honored in 2014; in
addition, his family will receive a flag that has been flown over the
United States Capital in his honor, as well as a plaque; 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 their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their 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
honor Charles Clayton Pratt Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor-A-
Deceased Veteran Ceremony on May 12, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Charles Clayton Pratt Jr.