Honor James E. Bradley Posthumously

Senate Resolution No. 624 BY: Senator JORDAN COMMENDING James E. Bradley 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; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend James E. Bradley 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, to be celebrated at the Rensselaer County Honor a Deceased Veteran Program on Monday, July 8, 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, James E. Bradley was born on October 8, 1927, in Troy, New York, the son of the late William F. and Margaret C. (Powers) Bradley; he attended La Salle Institute, graduating with the Class of 1945; and WHEREAS, On August 14, 1945, James E. Bradley enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country as a seaman first class; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, James E. Bradley was awarded the American Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal and Victory Medal; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on July 30,

1946, James E. Bradley and the former Mary Blanche "Bea" Kelly were united in marriage on May 7, 1949, at St. Joseph's Church in Troy, New York; and WHEREAS, James E. Bradley was the owner and operator of James E. Bradley & Sons Plumbing and Heating Company in Troy for 50 years, retiring in 1991; and WHEREAS, Active in his community, James E. Bradley was a member of the Colonie Elks Lodge, a former 10-year member of the Ballston Spa Country Club, and a former 30-year member and board member of Wolfert's Roost Country Club; he was also a member of Local 7 of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union for five decades; and WHEREAS, James E. Bradley was a communicant of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Latham, as well as a member of the Latham Council, Knights of Columbus; and WHEREAS, James E. Bradley died on April 10, 2001, at the age of 73, and he is buried at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands, New York; and WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Bea, James E. Bradley is survived by two sons, James Jr. and Brian; four daughters, Kristine, Mary Lynn, Elaine and Kelly; a brother, E. Powers Bradley; and 17 grandchildren; 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, James E. Bradley 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 James E. Bradley 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 James E. Bradley.