LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending World War II veteran Laurence "Sparky"
Rector for his distinguished military service to his country

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so faithfully and courageously in wars in which our Nation's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace during
peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend World War II
veteran Laurence "Sparky" Rector for his distinguished military service
to his country, celebrated at a public viewing of his video testimony
for the Library of Congress on Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at the
Mexico VFW in Mexico, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Veterans History Project was started by the United States
Congress in 2000, with the purpose of collecting, preserving, and making
accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future
generations may hear their voices and better understand the realities of
war; and
WHEREAS, A native of New Haven, New York, Sparky Rector proudly served
his country as a member of the United States Army during World War II,
and has been recognized for a number of achievements throughout his
90-plus years; and
WHEREAS, On December 26, 2015, Sparky Rector was interviewed by Joe
Messineo, a volunteer with the Veterans History Project, who, together
with cameraman Dick Calagiovanni worked tirelessly to ensure this
incredible testament is forever secured in the records of the United
States Library of Congress; and
WHEREAS, As part of this remarkable historical project, Sparky Rector
recounted the many experiences and dangers he faced over his two years,
seven months, and 14 days of wartime service; and
WHEREAS, Sparky Rector graduated from Mexico Academy and Central High
School, and was drafted into service in the United States Army in Febru-
ary of 1943; following basic training at Camp Croft in South Carolina,
he became part of 2nd Battalion, 157th, Company G, 2nd Platoon, and was
shipped overseas; and
WHEREAS, Joining his unit as a replacement, Sparky Rector landed in
Oran, Algeria, and traveled with his fellow soldiers through Africa and
then to the island of Sicily; he was later stationed in the Italian
mountains, and experienced heavy combat after his company landed in
Anzio and fought their way through Italy to Rome; and
WHEREAS, After receiving additional training, Sparky Rector took part
in the massive D-Day invasion of Southern France; from there, he was
involved in serious fighting during the Allied advance across Europe,
and helped liberate the Dachau Concentration Camp in 1945; and
WHEREAS, Following the completion of his military service at the
esteemed rank of Corporal, Sparky Rector returned home, started a fami-
ly, and became a respected member of the Mexico, New York, community;
and
WHEREAS, On April 25, 2015, Sparky Rector, escorted by his son Jay,
traveled with 80 of his fellow World War II veterans from Central New
York on Honor Flight Syracuse, Mission 005, to Washington, DC, where
they visited military memorials and were honored for their exceptional
service to our country; 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 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 World War II veteran Laurence "Sparky" Rector for his distin-
guished military service to his country; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Laurence "Sparky" Rector.