Senate Resolution No. 3106

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

HONORING Elton G. Cook, Sr. 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 Elton G.
Cook, Sr. 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 Rensselaer County
Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on Tuesday, October 10, 2017; 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 to Albert and Blanche Cook in Waterford, New York,
Elton G. Cook, Sr. valiantly served his country as a member of the
United States Army from October 29, 1942 to October 12, 1945; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service in the Pacific Theatre during
World War II, Elton G. Cook, Sr. was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Service
Good Conduct Medal; and

WHEREAS, Elton G. Cook, Sr. spent his remarkable 42-year career as
an ambulance driver for the former Leonard Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Elton G. Cook, Sr. was a life
member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7466, and a former
member of both the Cpl. Paul J. Baker Post VFW and Phoenix Lodge No. 58
F&AM in Lansingburgh; and

WHEREAS, In addition, he served as Captain of the Knickerbocker
Steamer Co. No. 1 in Waterford from 1928 to 1935; and

WHEREAS, Elton G. Cook, Sr. died on Thursday, July 8, 2004, at the
age of 96; predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Deleva Cook; and a son,
Elton G. Cook, Jr.; he is survived by a son, Nicholas J. Cook, Sr.
(Edie); and three grandchildren, Nicholas J. Cook, Jr., Amanda Leigh
Cook and Zachary M. Cook; 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,
Elton G. Cook, Sr. 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 Elton G. Cook, Sr. 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 Elton G. Cook, Sr.