Honor Seymour Schwartz Liberty Medal

Senate Resolution No. 3032 BY: Senator AVELLA HONORING Seymour Schwartz 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 honor Seymour Schwartz 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, A decorated World War II veteran, Seymour Schwartz was assigned to the Joint Command, Commander in Chief of the Pacific and the 5th Amphibious Force; and WHEREAS, Upon his discharge from the military, Seymour Schwartz devoted his life to actively transforming the town of Briarwood; as President of the Briarwood Community Association for 23 years, he created a large, cohesive and active vehicle for community betterment; and WHEREAS, Under his able leadership, the Briarwood Community Association not only addressed the concerns of area residents, but also organized the support of local businesses, schools, and institutions; and WHEREAS, An advocate for the successful opening of the Briarwood Post Office, the Briarwood Branch Queens Library and the Queens Boulevard Promenade, Seymour Schwartz is responsible for the renaming of the Briarwood subway station and station elevator; and WHEREAS, In addition, Seymour Schwartz created the Briarwood Community Foundation, and arranges for annual grants and funding to be distributed to its local schools, the Briarwood Public Library, the clients of the Briarwood Family Residence, St. Christopher/Ottilie Family of Services and Samaritan Village as well as the local Ambulance Services; and WHEREAS, Well-known for his accomplishments in the community, Seymour Schwartz holds the titles of member of the Board of Directors for St. Christopher/Ottilie Family of Services and Second Vice Chair of Community Board 8; and WHEREAS, Seymour Schwartz is also a member of numerous organizations including: the Queens Civic Congress, New York City Airport Community Roundtable, and the Briarwood Family Residence Advisory Board; 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, Seymour Schwartz 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 Seymour Schwartz 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 Seymour Schwartz.