Senate Resolution No. 449

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Wardell Dale posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
by Albany County at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on
February 6, 2017

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; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Wardell Dale posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Albany County at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on
Monday, February 6, 2017 at the Joseph E. Zaloga Post, in Albany, New
York; and

WHEREAS, In June of 1993, a committee was formed by the Albany
County Veterans Bureau known as the Albany County Honor-A-Veteran
Committee to honor deceased Albany County Veterans who have served their
country in time of conflict, the Honor-A-Veteran Program takes place on
the first Monday of each month; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous and dedicated service to his country,
Wardell Dale will be recognized at this year's February Honor-A-Veteran
Ceremony; and

WHEREAS, Wardell Dale, who died who died on June 15, 2016, at the
age of 79, served his country with honor and distinction from September
15, 1954 to September 13, 1957, as a member of the United States Army;
and

WHEREAS, A Private First Class in the Airborne Unit, Wardell Dale
served in the Korean War as a Medic; for his valiant service, he was
awarded the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct
Ribbon and Korean Service Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon separating from the military with the esteemed rank of
Corporal, Wardell Dale was one of the first three African-American
firefighters in the city of Albany; he returned to college to get a
degree in fire science and went on to become the first black Fire
Investigator in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his three daughters,
Stephanie Dale, Rosa Perry and Cynthia Pickens, all of whom felt
privileged to have been a part of his life and rejoice in his
accomplishments; 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 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 services
and for their dedication to their communities, their State and Nation;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Wardell Dale posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Albany County at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on
February 6, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Wardell Dale.