Honor Veteran Maurice Savage

May 7, 2018 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 Maurice M. Savage posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor A Veteran Ceremony on Monday, May 7, 2018, at the North Albany Post No. 1610 in 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 monthly on the first Monday of each month; and WHEREAS, For his courageous and dedicated service to his country, Maurice M. Savage will be recognized posthumously at this year's May Honor A Veteran Ceremony; and WHEREAS, Maurice M. Savage was born on October 10, 1939, in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland; and WHEREAS, After immigrating to America, Maurice M. Savage proudly served his adopted country as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War, Cold War, and Gulf War; he was assigned to the 227th Signal Battalion and Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment State Area Command where he held the rank of Colonel (COL/06); and WHEREAS, For his bravery, this courageous soldier was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal 2nd Award, Army Commendation Medal 2nd Award, Army Good Conduct Medal 2nd Award, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, New York State Military Commendation Medal, New York State Long and Faithful Service Medal 3rd Award, and New York State Aid to Civil Authority Medal, as well as a Pathfinder Badge; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service in 1992, Maurice M. Savage returned to the Capital District where he held several jobs including Facility Supervisor of New York State Department of Mental Hygiene and Environmental Analyst for New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs; he was also employed by Schaffer Brewery; and WHEREAS, Devoted to his Irish heritage and his fellow veterans, Maurice M. Savage held the title of President of Albany Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), Chair of the 1984 National Hibernian Convention, President of AOH Albany County, and New York State Director of AOH District No. 1; he was also a vital member of North Albany Limericks, Cumann Failte pipe and drum band, the Albany St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, and was selected as the 1999 Grand Marshal of the Parade; and WHEREAS, This remarkable man served as Commander of American Legion North Albany Post No. 1610, and was a member of Veterans Corps of 69th Regiment and Colonie Elks; and WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his community, Maurice M. Savage was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the Hibernian Major Degree, 1987 Hibernian of the Year Award, 2003 AOH Lifetime Membership Medal, and the 2005 Christian Brothers Academy Distinguished Alumni Award; and WHEREAS, Maurice M. Savage died on June 9, 2017, in Albany, New York, at the age of 77; 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 their patriotism both at home and abroad, these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit forevermore the highest respect of their 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 Maurice M. Savage posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor A Veteran Ceremony on May 7, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Maurice M. Savage.