Honor Stephen Dennis Posthumously

Senate Resolution No. 5926 BY: Senator MARCHIONE COMMENDING Stephen Dennis 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 commend Stephen Dennis 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 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 August 9, 1922, in Stillwater, New York, Stephen Dennis valiantly served his country as a member of the United States Navy from December of 1941 until November of 1945; and WHEREAS, Aboard the USS Atlanta during the Midway Campaign, Solomon Islands Campaign and the third Battle of Savo Island, Stephen Dennis courageously fought against the Japanese forces off Guadalcanal Island; and WHEREAS, This brave soldier was later assigned to the USS Ancon where he participated in the amphibious assault of Okinawa and the formal surrender ceremony of Japan in Tokyo Bay; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Stephen Dennis was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 bronze stars, Navy Occupation Service Medal, The Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon and the Combat Action Ribbon; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Stephen Dennis and the former Mary McDonald were united in marriage, and together they raised three children, Barbara, John and Carol; and WHEREAS, Stephen Dennis worked as an electrician for the former West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company until the plant closed in 1971; he went on to work at Adirondack Steel for 10 years before retiring in 1984; and WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, Stephen Dennis participated in and supported a number of Veterans organizations including the monthly Saratoga County Honor Deceased Veterans Ceremony; additionally, he was an active member of the American Legion Post 91 in Mechanicville; and WHEREAS, This extraordinary man was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in 2015; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Stephen Dennis 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 Stephen Dennis 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 Stephen Dennis.