Honor Deceased Veteran Keeler

Senate Resolution No. 2233 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMENDING Donald John Keeler posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony on February 10, 2020 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; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Donald John Keeler posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony to be celebrated on Monday, February 10, 2020; and WHEREAS, Donald John Keeler was born on April 29, 1921, in Troy, New York, the son of Wilbert and Alice (Teal) Keeler; and WHEREAS, On December 10, 1943, Donald John Keeler enlisted in the United States Naval Service and proudly served his country in the Pacific Theater in the Philippines from 1944 to 1946; and WHEREAS, For his meritorious service during World War II, Donald John Keeler was awarded the Victory Medal, the American Theatre Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Medal; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on May 25,

1946, Donald John Keeler returned to the Capital District and was employed as a Machinist in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, On December 24, 1947, Donald John Keeler married the former Joyce Bentley of Arlington, Vermont; they relocated to Maine in 1975, where the couple raised two sons, Zane and Jay, and two daughters, Holly and Enid; he was the loving grandfather of seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Active in his community, Donald John Keeler was a man of many interests; he held a pilot's license for many years and was a licensed ham radio operator; also passionate about nature, he was a beekeeper with a love of animals and birds; and WHEREAS, Donald John Keeler died on March 4, 2005, at the age of 83; 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, Donald John Keeler 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 Donald John Keeler posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony on February 10, 2020; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Donald John Keeler.