LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Joseph J. Cullen 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, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Joseph J.
Cullen 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, to be presented at this year's August Rensselaer
County Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony; 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, Both an Airplane and Engine Mechanic, Joseph J. Cullen was
awarded the American Service Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal,
the Good Conduct Medal, the Philippines Liberation Medal and the World
War II Victory Medal; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Hoosick Falls, New York, Joseph J.
Cullen attended both St. Mary's Academy and Hoosick Falls High School;
and
WHEREAS, Joseph J. Cullen was employed at the Wood Flong Corporation,
and the Hoosick Falls Community Center for 35 years; in addition, he
worked two part-time jobs at OTB and the Village Liquor Store well into
his mid-80s; and
WHEREAS, Joseph J. Cullen enjoyed watching horse racing, and was a
Notre Dame Football fan; he assisted with Little League and the SMA
Booster Club; in addition, he was a member of several organizations
including the Derby Club, Elks Club, and St. Mary's Alumni, as well as
the United Paperworkers International Union Local No. 1392; and
WHEREAS, Joseph J. Cullen served his country with honor and
distinction from May 15, 1942 through December 15, 1945, as a member of
the United States Army; he died in 2015, at the age of 97; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Anne Cullen, Joseph J.
Cullen was the loving husband of his wife, Delight; the devoted father
of three children, Elizabeth (Betse), Kevin, and Mary Patricia; and the
cherished grandfather of five grandchildren, Caleb, Kady, Kallyn, Conner
and Payton; and the beloved brother of four sisters, Mary, Anna, Kathe-
rine, and Margaret; as well as three brothers, John, Thomas, and Louis,
all of whom felt privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; 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,
Joseph J. Cullen demonstrated his love for his country and merits forev-
ermore, 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
honor Joseph J. Cullen 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 tran-
smitted to the family of Joseph J. Cullen.