Honor Ralph Rahm, Veteran

June 5, 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 Ralph Rahm posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on Monday,

June 5, 2017, at the American Legion Joseph E. Zaloga Post 1520, 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; the committee was formed to honor a deceased Albany County veteran, who has served his country in time of conflict; the Honor A Veteran Program takes place on the first Monday of each month; and WHEREAS, Ralph Rahm, affectionately known to his family and friends as Bill, was born on March 7, 1922, in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, This esteemed veteran, who died April 2, 1980, at the age of 62, served his country with honor and distinction from December 14,

1939, to November 4, 1945, as a member of the United States Army; and WHEREAS, A Combat Infantryman and Combat Squad Leader, Staff Sergeant Bill Rahm served with the 106 Infantry, 27th Division during the Pacific Theatre in Eniwetok, Saipan, and Okinawa; and WHEREAS, For his meritorious service, Staff Sergeant Bill Rahm was the recipient of the American Defense Service Medal, the American Service Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal; and WHEREAS, After his discharge, Bill Rahm held the position of Assistant Architect with the New York State Office of General Services; and WHEREAS, Devoted to his community, Bill Rahm was a vital member of the Fort Orange Legion Post, and St. Catherine of Siena Church; in addition, he served as a Little League Coach; 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, Bill Rahm 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 Ralph Rahm posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on