Honor Louis R. Palma

Senate Resolution No. 2947 BY: Senator KENNEDY COMMENDING Louis R. Palma 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 Louis R. Palma 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 in Buffalo, New York, Louis R. "Sonny" Palma and his family moved to Derby, New York, where he attended Hamburg High School before enlisting in the United States Navy at the young age of 15; in

2007, he was surprised with a diploma from his alma mater; and WHEREAS, From 1943-1946, Louis R. Palma proudly served his country as a rear gunner on an Avenger torpedo bomber in the South Pacific during World War II, seeing action in Saipan, Okinawa, Guam, and the Philippines; and WHEREAS, Louis R. Palma returned to New York, and studied business administration at Canisius College for two years, before he was recalled to active duty and assigned to the USS Philippine Sea off the coast of Korea until 1952; and WHEREAS, Upon his discharge from the Navy in 1953, Louis R. Palma enlisted in the United States Air Force, and received his degree from Canisius College in 1955; and WHEREAS, During his time in the Air Force, Louis R. Palma served in numerous capacities, such as flight engineer during the Vietnam War; in

1988, he officially retired from the Air Force Reserves after a meritorious 45-year career with the military; and WHEREAS, From 1959-1963, Louis R. Palma worked as an accounting supervisor at the General Motors Chevrolet plant, and later, owned and operated an accounting firm; and WHEREAS, Devoted to his community, Louis R. Palma was a Town of Evans Councilman from 1962-1966, and again from 1968-1972; he also served as deputy Erie County clerk from 1969-1975, and held the title of Business Administration and Fiscal Officer for the federal Comprehensive Employment and Training Act programs; and WHEREAS, In 1982, Louis R. Palma assumed the role of business administrator for the Lake Shore Central school system, and in 2000, he was appointed director of Erie County Veterans Services; and WHEREAS, In addition to his many civic roles, Louis R. Palma was a life member of the Highland Hose Volunteer Fire Company and a commissioner for the North Evans Fire District for 15 years; and WHEREAS, When he was not working or helping someone, Louis R. Palma enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife, Sharon, and their two cherished children, Hank and LuAnn; and WHEREAS, Louis R. Palma died on August 14, 2014, at the age of 86; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Louis R. Palma 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 Louis R. Palma 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 Louis R. Palma.