LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Francis A. Cocca posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany County at
its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on May 2, 2016

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
Francis A. Cocca posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Albany County at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on
Monday, May 2, 2016, at the Legnard-Curtin American Legion Post 927,
Green Island, 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 on the first
Monday of each month; and
WHEREAS, For his courageous and dedicated service to his country,
Francis A. Cocca will be recognized at this year's May Honor-A-Veteran
Ceremony; and
WHEREAS, Francis A. Cocca, who died on September 1, 2014, at the age
of 91, served his country with honor and distinction from 1943 through
1945, as a member of the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, A Private First Class in the Battery B 977th Field Artillery
Battalion, Francis A. Cocca served in seven major campaigns in Africa,
Italy, France and Germany during World War II; and
WHEREAS, For his exemplary meritorious service, Private Francis A.
Cocca was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the
French Legion of Honor, Good Conduct Medal, The Belgian Fourragere, WWII
Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, New York
State Medal for Merit, New York State Conspicuous Service Star, and
Honorable Service Lapel Pin; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he received the European-African-Middle Eastern
Theater Medal with Bronze Arrowhead and six Bronze Service Stars for
Naples-Foggia, Anzio, Rome-Arno, Southern France, Rhineland and Central
Europe; and
WHEREAS, Upon his discharge, Francis A. Cocca was employed as a Dental
Technician for 30 years at the former Cayo-Lajeunesse Dental Lab in
Albany, New York; he also worked for the New York State Department of
Commerce for 10 years; and
WHEREAS, Active in several veterans organizations, Francis A. Cocca
was a member of the Legnard-Curtin American Legion Post No. 927 in Green
Island, and the Reverend F. A. Kelley Post No. 38 DAV in Troy, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Francis A. Cocca is survived by his two sons, Francis and
Eugene; his two daughters-in-law, Patricia and Cynthia; his granddaugh-
ter, Pamela; and one grandson, Phillip; 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 Francis A. Cocca posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony
on May 2, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Francis A. Cocca.