Senate Resolution No. 3032

BY: Senator AVELLA

HONORING Seymour Schwartz 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
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
in peace-time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Seymour
Schwartz 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

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, A decorated World War II veteran, Seymour Schwartz was
assigned to the Joint Command, Commander in Chief of the Pacific and the
5th Amphibious Force; and

WHEREAS, Upon his discharge from the military, Seymour Schwartz
devoted his life to actively transforming the town of Briarwood; as
President of the Briarwood Community Association for 23 years, he
created a large, cohesive and active vehicle for community betterment;
and

WHEREAS, Under his able leadership, the Briarwood Community
Association not only addressed the concerns of area residents, but also
organized the support of local businesses, schools, and institutions;
and

WHEREAS, An advocate for the successful opening of the Briarwood
Post Office, the Briarwood Branch Queens Library and the Queens
Boulevard Promenade, Seymour Schwartz is responsible for the renaming of
the Briarwood subway station and station elevator; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Seymour Schwartz created the Briarwood
Community Foundation, and arranges for annual grants and funding to be
distributed to its local schools, the Briarwood Public Library, the
clients of the Briarwood Family Residence, St. Christopher/Ottilie
Family of Services and Samaritan Village as well as the local Ambulance
Services; and

WHEREAS, Well-known for his accomplishments in the community,
Seymour Schwartz holds the titles of member of the Board of Directors

for St. Christopher/Ottilie Family of Services and Second Vice Chair of
Community Board 8; and

WHEREAS, Seymour Schwartz is also a member of numerous organizations
including: the Queens Civic Congress, New York City Airport Community
Roundtable, and the Briarwood Family Residence Advisory Board; 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 his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Seymour Schwartz 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 Seymour Schwartz 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
transmitted to Seymour Schwartz.