LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Kenneth J. Atkins 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 Kenneth J.
Atkins 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 Columbia County Honor-A-
Deceased Veteran Ceremony on August 22, 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, Kenneth J. Atkins was born on July 27, 1921, in Andee, New
York, to Dean and Maude L. (Roe) Atkins; he was one of 16 children who
attended Andee Central School District; and
WHEREAS, After working as a farm hand on a dairy farm in Salisbury
Mills, New York, Kenneth J. Atkins enlisted in the United States Army on
April 12, 1946; after attending Engineer Basic Training, Private Atkins
graduated to the Army Service Forces Technical School at Fort Belvoir in
Virginia, where he was trained as a rigging specialist; and
WHEREAS, As a rigger, Private Kenneth J. Atkins used derricks, cranes,
gin poles, A-frames, cableways and chain blocking to raise and move
heavy equipment; proficiency in the splicing of wire and manila rope and
the tying of all kinds of knots was essential to his many duties; and
WHEREAS, Private Kenneth J. Atkins was assigned to Camp Stoneman,
California, which was a hub for all troops making their way to the
Pacific battlefields; three days before the surrender of Japan, just
over one million men came through the Stoneman staging area, which was
used as a separation center which ensured that returning soldiers were
promptly returned to their homes; and
WHEREAS, Upon the deactivation of military forces after the end of
World War II on December 28, 1946, Private Kenneth J. Atkins was honor-
ably discharged at Camp Beale, California; and
WHEREAS, An exceptional marksman, Private Kenneth J. Atkins was quali-
fied to use the M1 Rifle, and for his meritorious service, he was the
recipient of the World War II Victory Medal; and
WHEREAS, On April 16, 1955, Kenneth J. Atkins married the former Doris
Doolittle; together, the couple moved to Columbia County where they
raised their three children; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth J. Atkins returned to his farming roots and worked as
a dairy farmer for many years; devoted to his profession, he was proudly
affiliated with HOARDS DAIRYMAN MAGAZINE; three years prior to his pass-
ing he worked for Peter J. Schweitzer Paper Mill in Ancram, New York;
and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man and soldier's loving family will always
remember him as their hero who taught them about hard work and respect;
a true American patriot, he taught his children that the Stars and
Stripes is a symbol for freedom and honesty; and

WHEREAS, Kenneth J. Atkins died on December 24, 1975, at the age of
54; he is survived by his three children, Doris M., Ruth A., and Kenneth
E.; five grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren; 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 Kenneth J. Atkins 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 Kenneth J. Atkins.