Honor Ellen McKnight Posthumously

Senate Resolution No. 2179 BY: Senator JORDAN COMMENDING Ellen E. McKnight posthumously upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate 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 Ellen E. McKnight posthumously upon the occasion of her 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 on December 9, 2019; 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 June 6, 1919, in Castleton-on-Hudson, Ellen was the daughter of Herman F. Gietz and Katherine Landmann Gietz; she was a graduate of Castleton High School, Class of 1937, and St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing in New York City; and WHEREAS, Ellen E. McKnight enlisted in the United States Army Nurses Corps on October 1, 1941, and proudly served her country during World War II, attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant; and WHEREAS, For her meritorious service, Ellen E. McKnight was the recipient of the Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the National Defense Ribbon and the Women's Army Corps Service Ribbon; and WHEREAS, Ellen E. McKnight spent her illustrious career as an RN, retiring as the school nurse at Maple Hill High School after many years of dedicated service; and WHEREAS, Devoted to her fellow veterans, Ellen E. McKnight was the first female member of the Castleton VFW Post No. 7337; she was also a communicant of Trinity Lutheran Church and a member of Castleton Study Club and Castleton Seniors; and WHEREAS, Ellen E. McKnight died on October 27, 2017, at the age of

98; she is buried at Arlington National Cemetery; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by her first husband, Lieutenant Nevin W. Shaak; her second husband, Lieutenant Colonel James D. McKnight; a brother, Harold (Rosalie); and a sister, Winifred, Ellen E. McKnight is survived by her five sons, David (Darlene), Douglas (Sandra), Colin (David), Stuart (Dianne) and Donald (Patricia); her beloved grandchildren, Erin (Christopher), Adam, Emily (Stephen), Scott, Matthew, Nicholas, Ryan, Trevor, John (Lindsey) and Kristen (Kirk); her cherished great-grandchildren, Landon, Ella and Finley; and two nieces, Kathy and Jan; 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 her patriotism both at home and abroad, Ellen E. McKnight demonstrated her love for her country and merits forevermore, the highest respect of her 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 Ellen E. McKnight posthumously upon the occasion of her 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 Ellen E. McKnight.