Senate Resolution No. 3073

BY: Senator TEDISCO

HONORING Donald E. Champagne 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
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 peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Donald E.
Champagne 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 presented at the Saratoga County
Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, in Ballston
Spa, 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, Born on August 22, 1916, in Galway, New York, Donald E.
Champagne graduated from Ballston Spa High School, during which time he
worked several jobs to help support his family; and

WHEREAS, Donald E. Champagne valiantly served his country as a
member of the United States Navy; enlisting on June 5, 1943, he was part
of the 105th Naval Construction Battalion; and

WHEREAS, On January 17, 1944, this brave soldier began his service
in New Guinea aboard the SS Sea Devil, where he remained until October
12, 1944; in January of 1945, he was authorized to wear the shoulder
insignia for Seabees, and four months later, he was instrumental in the
liberation of the Philippines; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service, Donald E. Champagne was awarded
the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars and the
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon with one Bronze Star; he was honorably
discharged on November 16, 1945, with the esteemed rank of Chief
Carpenters Mate; and

WHEREAS, Following the completion of his military service, Donald E.
Champagne owned and operated Don Champagne Builders until his death on
March 25, 1972; he was a member and past Commander and President of the
VFW Post No. 358; and

WHEREAS, In addition, this distinguished veteran was past President
of the Lions Club of Ballston Spa and a member of the Ballston Spa Order
of Masons; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Donald E. Champagne 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 Donald E. Champagne 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
transmitted to the family of Donald E. Champagne.