LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Morton Wheeler Schermerhorn 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 Morton Wheeler
Schermerhorn posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recip-
ient 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 September 26, 2016, in Hudson, New
York; 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, Morton Wheeler Schermerhorn was born on December 24, 1921, in
Dover Plains, New York, to Frederick and Minnie (Wheeler) Schermerhorn;
he attended both Columbia and Dutchess County schools and completed his
education while in the Armed Services; and
WHEREAS, Morton W. Schermerhorn enlisted in the United States Marine
Corps on July 10, 1942; after basic training, where he qualified as
marksman with the M1 rifle, he received additional training for a light
anti-aircraft gun crew; and
WHEREAS, Private First Class Morton W. Schermerhorn was assigned to
the Pacific Theater of Operation from December 3, 1942 until June 17,
1943, when he was assigned as a guard at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina;
and
WHEREAS, On November 14, 1945, Private First Class Morton W. Scherm-
erhorn was honorably discharged from the Redistribution Battalion; and
WHEREAS, After his discharge, Morton W. Schermerhorn met and married
his future wife, Gladys Marie Matthews on August 19, 1944; together, the
couple raised eight children in Ghent, New York; for 40 years, he was
employed as a mason in Albany and Columbia Counties; and
WHEREAS, A vital part of his community, Morton W. Schermerhorn was a
member of the Ghent Fire Company, Ghent Sportsmen Association, Chatham
American Legion Post 42, and Masons Union No. 6 as well as the Ghent
V.F.W. Post 5933, where he held the positions of both Post Commander and
Color Guard; he also served as a communicant of Christ Evangelical Luth-
eran Church; 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 was a symbol for freedom and honesty; and
WHEREAS, Morton Wheeler Schermerhorn died on October 27, 2005, at the
age of 83; he is survived by his wife, Gladys; eight children, George,
Joan, Kenneth, Gloria, Marcia, Rita, Peggy and Morton, Jr.; as well as
18 grandchildren and 29 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 Morton Wheeler Schermerhorn 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 Morton Wheeler Schermerhorn.