Senate Resolution No. 5926

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

COMMENDING Stephen Dennis 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 commend Stephen
Dennis 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

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 9, 1922, in Stillwater, New York, Stephen
Dennis valiantly served his country as a member of the United States
Navy from December of 1941 until November of 1945; and

WHEREAS, Aboard the USS Atlanta during the Midway Campaign, Solomon
Islands Campaign and the third Battle of Savo Island, Stephen Dennis
courageously fought against the Japanese forces off Guadalcanal Island;
and

WHEREAS, This brave soldier was later assigned to the USS Ancon
where he participated in the amphibious assault of Okinawa and the
formal surrender ceremony of Japan in Tokyo Bay; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Stephen
Dennis was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign
Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 bronze stars, Navy
Occupation Service Medal, The Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon and the
Combat Action Ribbon; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Stephen Dennis
and the former Mary McDonald were united in marriage, and together they
raised three children, Barbara, John and Carol; and

WHEREAS, Stephen Dennis worked as an electrician for the former West
Virginia Pulp and Paper Company until the plant closed in 1971; he went
on to work at Adirondack Steel for 10 years before retiring in 1984; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, Stephen Dennis participated
in and supported a number of Veterans organizations including the

monthly Saratoga County Honor Deceased Veterans Ceremony; additionally,
he was an active member of the American Legion Post 91 in Mechanicville;
and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary man was inducted into the New York State
Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in 2015; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Stephen Dennis 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 Stephen Dennis 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 Stephen Dennis.