Senate Resolution No. 4557

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

COMMENDING James J. Lant 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 peace-time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend James J.
Lant 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, April 17, 2018, at the County
Building 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 April 28, 1919, in Argyle, New York, James J. Lant
attended Greenwich High School until 1935; and

WHEREAS, James J. Lant entered into the United States Army on May
16, 1942; he proudly served his country as an Infantry Squad Leader with
the 337th Infantry Regiment during World War II; and

WHEREAS, In January of 1944, James J. Lant and the 337th landed in
Casablanca, Morocco, to prepare for the invasion of Italy in late March
of that year; the Regiment then participated in the Rome-Arno, North
Apennines, and Po Valley campaigns in the Mediterranean Theater as part
of the Italian Campaign; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, James J.
Lant was awarded the Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, the European
African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze Campaign Stars, and
the American Theater Ribbon; and

WHEREAS, After the completion of his military service, James J. Lant
returned to Saratoga County and married Kathleen Lant on August 18,
1946; together, the couple raised five children, John, James, Jerry,
Karen and Roberta; and

WHEREAS, From 1960-2000, James J. Lant owned and operated Lant's
Auto Sales; an animal lover, he also owned and raced many horses at the
Saratoga Harness Track; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to his fellow veterans, James J. Lant was a vital
member of American Legion Post 70, Gurtler Brothers VFW Post 420, and
the Dominick Smaldone Italian American War Veterans Post 35; and

WHEREAS, James J. Lant also belonged to the Wilton Senior Center and
was a Friend of Grant's Cottage; 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,
James J. Lant 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
commend James J. Lant 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 James J. Lant.