The New York State Senate

J5469

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. 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 signif-
icant 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 honor Thomas E.
Hendry, Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent 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 September 10, 2018; 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 31, 1923, to Thomas and Bessie Kerr Hendry,
Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. graduated from Troy High School; and
WHEREAS, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. joined the United States Army on August
7, 1943, and arrived in the European Theater of Action on March 1, 1944;
and
WHEREAS, A rifleman and mortar gunner, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. was
promoted to Corporal and served with the 3rd Army, 15th Cavalry Recon
Squad in the EAME Theater where he was in charge of a mortar crew of
three enlisted men; he and his men provided fire power for cavalry and
infantry units; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, this brave soldier aided in the capture of enemy
positions and personnel, and was wounded in the Battle of Brest, France
on August 23, 1944; he was discharged on September 10, 1947; and
WHEREAS, For his valiant military service, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. was
awarded many ribbons and citations, including the Bronze Battle Star,
the American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon, and a Purple Heart;
and
WHEREAS, Upon returning home, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. earned a Bachelor
of Science degree in Social Work from Springfield College; he married
the former Helen L. Filkin on May 1, 1953, in Troy, New York, and
together they raised three children; and
WHEREAS, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. spent his illustrious career at the
Rensselear County Department of Social Services, where he served as a
social worker and deputy commissioner for 37 years, retiring in the
spring of 1989; and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his community,
Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. was active in youth coaching with Little League,
Babe Ruth Baseball and basketball; he was also a member of the Disabled
American Veterans; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Troy, New York, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr.
was a member of the Memorial United Methodist Church, and a chairman of
its trustees for the past two decades; and
WHEREAS, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. died on December 14, 1992, at the age
of 69; he is survived by his wife, Helen; a son, Thomas; two daughters,
Carol and Sara; and seven grandchildren, Gillian, Shane, Rachel, Sara
Jane, Mary, Stephen and Thomas; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. 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 Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his desig-
nation 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 tran-
smitted to the family of Thomas E. Hendry, Jr.

J5468

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Officer William Rafferty 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 signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Officer
William Rafferty 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, One day, a new mother was putting her six-week old premature
son into his car seat when he let out an odd cry, his eyes rolled back,
and he started to lose color; the mother called 911, and Watertown, New
York, Police Officer William Rafferty was the first to arrive on the
scene; and
WHEREAS, Officer William Rafferty quickly ran to the baby and observed
that he was not breathing; he immediately started to perform CPR on the
infant; shortly thereafter, the ambulance arrived and Officer Rafferty
jumped into it, continuing to administer CPR until the color on the
boy's face came back; and
WHEREAS, Due to Officer William Rafferty's lifesaving actions, the
baby will make a full recovery; to commemorate the dramatic event, Offi-
cer Rafferty inscribed the date and the words "The day that changed your
life and mine" on the back of his watch; and
WHEREAS, Officer William Rafferty should be regarded as a true hero;
he has continually devoted himself to public service, demonstrating
great courage and diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the
citizens of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Praised for maintaining his composure and his professional
conduct, Officer William Rafferty demonstrated his true character and
genuine compassion for the well-being of others; and
WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their exem-
plary contributions and service on behalf of others; Officer William
Rafferty is one such individual; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those dedi-
cated public servants who unselfishly devote their lives to the preser-
vation of order and the protection of others are worthy and due full
praise for their commitment and noble endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Officer William Rafferty upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an indi-
vidual by the New York State Senate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Officer William Rafferty.