Honor Veteran Anthony Schmitz

Senate Resolution No. 20 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMENDING Anthony F. Schmitz posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor a Veteran Ceremony on October 1, 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 commend Anthony F. Schmitz posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor a Veteran Ceremony on Monday, October 1, 2018, at North Albany American Legion 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, Anthony F. Schmitz will be recognized posthumously at this year's October Honor A Veteran Ceremony; and WHEREAS, Anthony F. Schmitz was born on July 30, 1924, in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, From March 12, 1943 until December 22, 1945, Anthony F. Schmitz proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during World War II; he was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division where he held the rank of Private First Class E3; and WHEREAS, For his selfless bravery, this courageous soldier was awarded the Bronze Star Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Bronze Arrow Head, Silver Star and Bronze Star; World War II Victory Medal; World War II Occupation Medal with Germany clasp; New York State Conspicuous Service Cross; New York State Conspicuous Service Star; Army Presidential Unit Citation; Combat Infantry Badge and French Croix de Guerre with palm; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Anthony F. Schmitz returned to the Capital District where he worked as a postal clerk for USPS and served as a caseworker for the Albany County Department of Social Services; and WHEREAS, Devoted to his community and fellow veterans, Anthony F. Schmitz was a vital member of the American Legion North Albany Post and enjoyed working with children at the Albany School of Humanities and visiting hospital patients through the Catholic Diocese; and WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his community, Anthony F. Schmitz was inducted into both the Mohawk-Battalion ROTC Hall of Fame and the Bishop Maginn High School Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, Anthony F. Schmitz died on November 25, 2017, in Albany, New York, at the age of 93; 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 Anthony F. Schmitz posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor a Veteran Ceremony on October 1, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Anthony F. Schmitz.