Honor Vincent J. Cerniglia

Senate Resolution No. 3120 BY: Senator TEDISCO COMMENDING Vincent J. Cerniglia 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 Vincent J. Cerniglia 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 Schenectady County Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at the VFW Post

357 in Schenectady, 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, Vincent J. Cerniglia was born on December 6, 1915, in Schenectady, where he attended high school; and WHEREAS, At the age of 27, Vincent J. Cerniglia entered into the United States Army, proudly serving his country during World War II; as 1st Sergeant, he was involved in three pivotal events in the war; he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, stormed the shores of Normandy on D-Day, and helped liberate prisoners at the Buchenwald Concentration Camp; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Second World War, Vincent J. Cerniglia was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal, as well as the European, African, and Middle Eastern Campaign Medals; and WHEREAS, After his discharge on January 9, 1946, Vincent J. Cerniglia returned to his hometown and worked as a machinist for General Electric; at the time of his retirement, he held the title of Engineer; and WHEREAS, In addition, Vincent J. Cerniglia served as a part-time Schenectady County Deputy Sheriff for eight years; a true public servant, he also established the Civil Defense Auxiliary Police, holding the position of Chief for many years; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Vincent J. Cerniglia was an active participant of VFW Post 357, the Holiday Ramblers, the Schenectady County Conservation Council, and was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus; and WHEREAS, Vincent J. Cerniglia was a faithful congregant of the Immaculate Conception Church in Glenville, New York, where he served as a devoted usher; and WHEREAS, Known as the man who could fix anything, Vincent J. Cerniglia was a renowned master woodworker and a gunsmith; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his loving wife of 72 years, June Fitzpatrick Cerniglia, Vincent J. Cerniglia is survived by his two children, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren; 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, Vincent J. Cerniglia 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 Vincent J. Cerniglia 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 Vincent J. Cerniglia.