Honor Simonik With Liberty Medal

Senate Resolution No. 2189 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMENDING Edward J. Simonik, Sr. 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, 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 Edward J. Simonik, Sr. 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, Edward Joseph Simonik, Sr. was born to Catherine (Fimonick) and Wallace M. Simonik on March 25, 1928, in Plainville, Connecticut; he and his family moved to upstate New York, where he attended Troy City Schools; and WHEREAS, On May 18, 1945, Edward J. Simonik, Sr. enrolled in the United States Merchant Marine, in New York, New York, and graduated from the United States Maritime Service Training Station on September 1,

1945, at Sheepshead Bay, New York; and WHEREAS, Edward J. Simonik, Sr. served on foreign and inter-coastal voyages aboard the N.Y.U. Victory, the Texarkana Victory and the Amarillo Victory, as a Fireman/Watertender and Oiler; on April 30, 1946, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. on April 30, 1946, in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, After attending the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Memphis, Tennessee, Private First Class Edward J. Simonik, Sr. proudly served his country as an aircraft mechanic during World War II; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on June 15,

1947, Edward J. Simonik, Sr. returned to his hometown, and worked as a supervisor in the Albany Sub Station Department of the Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation for 38 years; and WHEREAS, On April 17, 1949, Edward J. Simonik, Sr. married his wife, the late Betty Jane (Davis), and together, they raised one daughter, Kathryn Anne, and one son, Edward Joseph Jr.; he was also the loving grandfather of one granddaughter, Audrey; and WHEREAS, Active in his community, Edward J. Simonik, Sr. was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Troy, and a vital member of the 25 Year Club of Niagara Mohawk, the Brunswick Elks, the Cossayuna Lake Association and the American Legion, Wynantskill Post; 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, Edward J. Simonik, Sr. 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 Edward J. Simonik, Sr. 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 Edward J. Simonik, Sr.