J 1297: Commending Lieutenant James H. Alexander, Jr., 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. 1297 BY: Senator WEBB COMMENDING Lieutenant James H. Alexander, Jr., 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 esteemed Body; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Lieutenant James H. Alexander, Jr., 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, James H. Alexander, Jr., is a dedicated and exemplary public servant who has spent his life tirelessly and selflessly working to support the people of his community, uplift those around him, and improve New York State's Southern Tier; and WHEREAS, James H. Alexander, Jr., has lived a life defined by service, dedication, and integrity; during World War II, he joined the United States Navy's V-12 College Training Program which placed future officers on college campuses to receive academic and leadership training; the Program prepared him for his commission as a Lieutenant Junior Grade, after which he served aboard the USS Denver in the Atlantic during the closing years of the War; and WHEREAS, After returning home, James H. Alexander, Jr., continued to serve his country in a different way; he became an electrical engineer and joined IBM's Federal Systems Division where he worked on military and aerospace projects that strengthened America's defense during the Cold War; his work reflected the same sense of precision and responsibility that guided him throughout his military service; and WHEREAS, In addition to his professional achievements, James H. Alexander, Jr., gave back to his community through more than 30 years of involvement in local sports, as a certified referee in high school and college athletics, officiating football and ice hockey with fairness and respect; when the ice rink at Grippen Park opened, he organized and trained local referees, helping build a lasting hockey community in Broome County; and WHEREAS, An athlete throughout his life, James H. Alexander, Jr., stayed active well into his later years; he skied until the age of 89 and continued playing tennis and pickleball into his 90s; his lifelong commitment to staying active reflects the discipline and determination that have defined his century of life; and WHEREAS, Reaching the age of 100 is an extraordinary accomplishment and a testament to the wisdom, fortitude, and perseverance, which will inspire generations, of James H. Alexander, Jr.; his 100th birthday is a time to celebrate a century of outstanding achievements and recognize the monumental mark that he has left on the hearts and minds of all those who have had the honor of knowing him; and WHEREAS, As he celebrates his 100th birthday on Veterans Day, James H. Alexander, Jr., stands as an example of duty, perseverance, and service to both country and community; his contributions represent the very spirit of the New York State Senate Liberty Medal; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body does hereby encourage the entire community to embody and live by the values demonstrated by James H. Alexander, Jr., who has been an exceptional asset to the community and worthy of the esteem of the entire community and the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism, both at home and abroad, James H. Alexander, Jr., has 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 Lieutenant James H. Alexander, Jr., 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 Lieutenant James H. Alexander, Jr.