LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Irving Tracy Mason 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, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Irving Tracy
Mason 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 celebrated at the Rensselaer County Honor-
A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony to be celebrated on Monday, May 9, 2016; 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, Irving Tracy Mason was born on November 17, 1931, in Peters-
burgh, New York, to Irving and Annie Goyer Mason; as a young man, he
attended Berlin Central schools until the 9th grade, and later worked to
help support his family; and
WHEREAS, Irving Tracy Mason enlisted as a member of the United States
Army on June 13, 1952, and proudly served his country during the Korean
War as a Heavy Machine Mechanic for two years; and
WHEREAS, Upon separating from the military with the esteemed rank of
Corporal, Irving Tracy Mason moved to the Town of Grafton, and worked
for 25 years as an Operating Engineer for Troy Sand and Gravel until his
retirement; and
WHEREAS, In 1954, Irving Tracy Mason married his wife, Shirley Duval,
and together, they were the proud parents of three children, Kathy,
Debbie and Tracy, and the loving grandparents of numerous grandchildren;
and
WHEREAS, An integral part of his community, Irving Tracy Mason
contributed his time as a volunteer with the Grafton Fire Company for 25
years; he also served as an Assistant Road Superintendent for 13 years,
and Road Superintendent for three years, as well as a Councilman for two
years; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Irving Tracy Mason was an active member of the
Boy Scouts of America, and the Grafton VFW Post No. 6340 where he was
known for selling poppies every year during its annual fundraiser; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated family man, Irving Tracy Mason was an avid hunter
and fisherman who enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchil-
dren; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Irving Tracy Mason demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore 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 Irving Tracy Mason posthumously upon the occasion of his desig-

nation 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 Irving Tracy Mason.