Honor Veteran with Liberty Medal

Senate Resolution No. 3494 BY: Senator MARCHIONE HONORING Theodore H. Rustin 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 honor Theodore H. Rustin 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 Rensselaer County Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony; 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 October 12, 1940, in Glens Falls, New York, Theodore H. Rustin proudly served his country with honor and distinction as a member of the United States Navy aboard the USS Saratoga CVA-60 from December 12, 1957 to November 9, 1960; and WHEREAS, Theodore H. Rustin and Ruth Bowen were united in marriage on July 11, 1959, and together they raised three children; he worked at Behr Manning in Watervliet, New York, before running his own heavy equipment business in Florida; and WHEREAS, Theodore H. Rustin died on March 7, 2016; he is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Ruth; three children, Ruth Ellen (Ray), Terry Ann (Joseph) and Theodore Hale (Kandace); four grandchildren, Amy, Joely, Ryan and Gwendolyn; one great-grandchild, Alyssa; three brothers, Irvin (Carm), Thomas (Dawn) and John (Carolyn); two sisters, Ellen (Paul) and Phyllis; and his loved and honored best friend, Wallace; 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, Theodore H. Rustin 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 Theodore H. Rustin 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 Theodore H. Rustin.