Honor Stark With Liberty Medal

Senate Resolution No. 1286 BY: Senator HINCHEY COMMENDING Frederick J. Stark, Jr. 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 Frederick J. Stark, Jr. 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, Frederick J. Stark, Jr. is being honored by the Columbia County Honor a Veteran Committee during their Honor a Veteran Ceremony on Monday, October 25, 2025, at the Columbia County office building in Hudson, New York; and WHEREAS, Frederick J. Stark, Jr. was born on April 25, 1925, to Frederick J. Stark, Sr. and Beulah Augusta Stark in Hudson, New York, and he went on to attend Iowa State University of Science and Technology and Syracuse University; and WHEREAS, Frederick J. Stark, Jr. entered the United States Navy on

1946, at Lido Beach, New York; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service as Electrician's Mate 2nd Class, Frederick J. Stark, Jr. was awarded the American Theater Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal with two stars, Philippines Liberation Medal, Occupation Medal, and WWII Victory Medal; and WHEREAS, After returning to Columbia County, Frederick J. Stark, Jr. worked for more than 30 years as a structural engineer for the New York State Department of Transportation; his work included supervising the design and reconstruction of many bridges throughout the Hudson Valley region; and WHEREAS, After retiring from the New York State Department of Transportation, Frederick J. Stark, Jr. continued engineering under Frederick J. Engineering Services; and WHEREAS, As an active member in his community, Frederick J. Stark, Jr. was known for playing the trumpet and flugelhorn in the Ghent Band, and he was a member of the Ghent VFW Post 5933 and the Honor a Veteran Committee of Columbia County, where he served as official bugler; and WHEREAS, Frederick J. Stark, Jr. died on Sunday, April 2, 2017, at the age of 91; 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, Frederick J. Stark, Jr. 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 Frederick J. Stark, Jr. 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 Frederick J. Stark, Jr.