LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending "E J" Knapik for his many years of
ceaseless dedicated service to the veterans of his community

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 from this Legislative Body; 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend "E J" Knapik
for his many years of ceaseless dedicated service to the veterans of his
community; and
WHEREAS, A veteran of World War II, "E J" Knapik has been actively
involved in AMVETS since its early days; and
WHEREAS, He was a charter member of the Amsterdam AMVETS Post 21,
representing it as a delegate to the State Convention every year for 62
years; and
WHEREAS, "E J" Knapik has also served the Amsterdam AMVETS Post 21 as
a State Legislative Chairman for over 40 years, as well as District
adjutant and alternate NEC; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, "E J" Knapik is a popular AMVETS presenter of
ROTC awards at Colleges and Universities; and
WHEREAS, He was instrumental in the completion of the New York State
Vietnam Memorial, the New York State Korean Memorial, and the New York
World War II Memorial; and
WHEREAS, "E J" Knapik has dedicated his time to the Saratoga National
VA Cemetery support group, serving as a Trustee from its start in 1996,
to the present, and was on the committee when the land was purchased;
and
WHEREAS, For over 40 years, "E J" Knapik served as the VAVS Represen-
tative for the Capital District for AMVETS at the Samuel Stratton VA
Medical Center, and is the only volunteer with more than 50 years of
service; and
WHEREAS, "E J" Knapik was honored with the AMVETS National VAVS Lead-
ership Award in 2007, and with the 2009 Silver Helmet AMVET of the Year
Award during a banquet held at the Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport on March
14, 2009, also known as the Veteran "Oscar"; and
WHEREAS, On Veterans Day, 2013, "E J" Knapik received the City of
Amsterdam Veteran Service Medal, and was honored as the Grand Marshal in
the Amsterdam and Schenectady Veterans' Day parades; and
WHEREAS, "E J" Knapik is the Faithful Navigator of the 4th Degree
Knights of Columbus Schenectady Assembly 708 for his 19th year; he has
exhibited the true spirit of service to veterans through his commitment
to veterans; 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, 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 "E J" Knapik for his many years of ceaseless dedicated service
to the veterans of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to "E J" Knapik.