LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Joseph E. Perisco posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany County at
its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on January 5, 2015

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 these
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
Joseph E. Perisco posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Albany County at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on
Monday, January 5, 2015, at the American Legion Joseph E. Zaloga Post
1520, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, In June of 1993, a committee was formed by the Albany County
Veterans Bureau known as the Albany County Honor-A-Veteran Committee to
honor deceased Albany County veterans who have served their country in
time of conflict; the Honor-A-Veteran Program takes place monthly on the
first Monday of each month; and
WHEREAS, For his courageous and dedicated service to his country,
Joseph E. Perisco was recognized at the 2015 January Honor-A-Veteran
Ceremony; and
WHEREAS, Joseph E. Perisco, was born on July 19, 1930, in Glovers-
ville, New York, and lived most of his life in Albany County; and
WHEREAS, Joseph E. Perisco served his country with honor and
distinction from 1952-1955, as an Executive Officer/Communications Duty
Officer in the United States Navy, aboard the USS Wheatear (AM-390), a
minesweeper stationed with the NATO Allied Forces Southern Europe,
Naples, Italy; and
WHEREAS, Joseph E. Perisco was the recipient of numerous awards and
medals in recognition of his outstanding service, including the National
Defense Medal, the European Occupation Medal, and the World War II Amer-
ican Battle Monument Commission Medal for Distinguished Service; and
WHEREAS, After his military service, Joseph E. Perisco served for 11
years as the Chief Speechwriter for New York Governor and later Vice
President Nelson A. Rockefeller; and
WHEREAS, Following his tenure with Nelson A. Rockefeller, Joseph E.
Perisco went on to become a bestselling Historian and Biographer, writ-
ing twelve books, many on World War II and a classic on the Great War;
he was the co-author of Colin Powell's autobiography MY AMERICAN
JOURNEY, which remained on the NEW YORK TIMES bestseller list; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Joseph E. Perisco was appointed by President
George W. Bush to serve on the American Battle Monuments Commission; he
was selected to write the words etched into an 18-foot-long granite slab
at the entrance to the National World War II Memorial in Washington,
D.C.; 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 Joseph E. Perisco posthumously upon the occasion of his desig-
nation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor-A-Veteran
Ceremony on January 5, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Joseph E. Perisco.