J 1212: Commending Henry Wilton Hassan, 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

 Senate Resolution No. 1212 BY: Senator HINCHEY COMMENDING Henry Wilton Hassan, 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 Henry Wilton Hassan, 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, to be celebrated on Monday, June 30, 2025; 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, Henry Wilton Hassan, Jr., a proud veteran of the United States Navy and a beloved member of the Columbia County and Pittsfield communities, has been posthumously awarded the New York State Senate Liberty Medal for his meritorious service and lifelong commitment to the ideals of duty, honor, and country; and WHEREAS, Henry Wilton Hassan, Jr. was born on January 29, 1931, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to Henry W. Hassan, Sr. and Sarah (French) Hassan, and was raised in Columbia County, New York, where he attended New Lebanon Central School; and WHEREAS, A proud resident of East Chatham, New York, Henry Wilton Hassan, Jr. enlisted in the United States Navy on December 26, 1950, in Albany, New York, beginning a career of honorable service to his country during a time of great global tension; and WHEREAS, After completing basic training at the Great Lakes Navy Training Center, Seaman (E-3) Henry Hassan, Jr. was assigned to the USS Monrovia (APA 31), a Crescent City-class attack transport, as an Ordinary Seaman, where he contributed to the ship's operations and maintenance as a vital part of the ship's labor force; and WHEREAS, Following the outbreak of hostilities in Korea, the USS Monrovia joined the Atlantic Fleet's Amphibious Forces in the spring of 1951 to train for operations off Greenland, and beginning in December 1951, deployed annually to the Mediterranean; and WHEREAS, Seaman Henry Wilton Hassan, Jr. served with dedication and distinction until his honorable discharge from the United States Navy on October 14, 1954; in recognition of his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Navy Occupation Service Medal; and WHEREAS, Upon returning to Columbia County, Henry met and married the former Geraldine Jones on November 6, 1954, in Canaan, New York; together, they raised their six beloved children: Sharron Ann, Roger, Henry III, Jeffrey, Eric, and Rose Marie; and WHEREAS, Henry Wilton Hassan, Jr. worked diligently throughout his life, contributing to the local economy through his employment with Fawn Ridge Feed Company in West Lebanon, New York, the Litchman Tannery, and Berkshire Roofing in Pittsfield, Massachusetts; and WHEREAS, Deeply involved in his community, Henry Wilton Hassan, Jr. was a member of the Berkshire 5 Waters C B Radio Club and the Berkshire Hills Side Banders, a communicant of St. Stephen's Church in Pittsfield, and an avid ballroom dancer whose joy for music brought happiness to those around him; and WHEREAS, Known for his generosity, patriotism, and enduring spirit, even after suffering a serious back injury, Henry always carried "a twinkle in his eye," inspiring all who knew him, and instilling in his four sons a shared pride in naval service; and WHEREAS, Henry Wilton Hassan, Jr. passed away on April 13, 1979, at the age of 48, leaving behind his cherished wife, six children, and four grandchildren; he was laid to rest in Canaan, New York, in the community he so loved and served; 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 risked their lives for their beloved Nation; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Henry Wilton Hassan, 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 Henry Wilton Hassan, 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 Henry Wilton Hassan, Jr.