LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Harold Cohen upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur
Medal by the French Government, in November 2014, in recognition of his
valiant service during the Second World War

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose exemplary military service merited deco-
rations for achievement and commendable service, especially those
soldiers who so valiantly served for the benefit of other peoples and
nations; and
WHEREAS, It is also the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and
pay tribute to those distinguished veterans whose service has been
recognized by the governments of other nations, in appreciation and
gratitude for their contributions to securing or maintaining the freedom
of those lands; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Harold Cohen upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur Medal by the French Government, in
November 2014, in recognition of his valiant service during the Second
World War; and
WHEREAS, This momentous occasion was celebrated with a Ceremony at the
Lycee Francaise de New York, a French-American school on East 75th
Street in New York City; in presenting the award, Bertrand Lortholary,
the General Consul of France in New York, declared that the award is
France's highest decoration; and
WHEREAS, Almost 70 years after Harold Cohen provided medical assist-
ance to residents of the newly-liberated city of Le Mans, France, the
French Government has awarded him this prestigious medal which recog-
nizes his values of courage, solidarity, selflessness and sense of duty
in the service of peace; and
WHEREAS, Harold Cohen, who recently celebrated his ninetieth birthday,
arrived in France just 10 days after D-Day and worked in a medical unit;
as troops drove east toward Paris, he spent time tending to the medical
needs of the farmers, merchants and families of this small city and
surrounding areas; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the renowned Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur
Medal, Harold Cohen received two bronze stars for his meritorious
service in a combat zone; and
WHEREAS, An active member of the Sid Jacobsen Jewish Community Center
in East Hills, Harold Cohen has lived in Port Washington with his loving
wife, Elsie, since 1965; he grew up in Brooklyn and graduated from
Brooklyn College and the University of Chicago, where he earned a
Master's degree in Industrial Psychology; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Harold Cohen worked as a designer of children's
toys, and later served as an executive in the garment district; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Elsie, and their two
sons, as well as two granddaughters, all of whom feel 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
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, their Nation, and to
the ideal of freedom throughout the world; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberation to
congratulate Harold Cohen upon the occasion of his designation as recip-
ient of the Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur Medal by the French Govern-
ment, in November 2014, in recognition of his valiant service during the
Second World War; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Harold Cohen.