J 1299: Commending Thomas J. Messore Sr. 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. 1299 BY: Senator TEDISCO COMMENDING Thomas J. Messore Sr. 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 Thomas J. Messore Sr. 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, Thomas J. Messore Sr., affectionately known to many as "Hardware," is being honored by the Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency; and WHEREAS, Thomas J. Messore Sr. entered the U.S. Navy on February 3, 1943, and trained at the Naval Training Station in Sampson, New York; following training, he was assigned to the Armed Guard Center at the Brooklyn Naval Yard, and after gunnery school training, he went on to guard merchant class ships; and WHEREAS, An admired man with a great skillset, Thomas J. Messore Sr. would participate in arctic supply convoys to the USSR in what later became known as the Murmansk Runs to Russia; he was later reassigned to other ships and ended his service onboard LSM-100; and WHEREAS, Thomas J. Messore Sr. was discharged from active duty on January 19, 1946, at the rank of Seaman First Class; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service and dedication, Thomas J. Messore Sr. earned several commendations, including the WWII Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the European African Middle East Campaign Medal; and WHEREAS, Following his military service, Thomas J. Messore Sr. worked at the Westvaco Paper Mill in Mechanicville for over 30 years and then as a vehicle detailer for New Country for several years before his retirement; and WHEREAS, Living a life devoted to service to others, Thomas J. Messore Sr. served as a past fire chief for the Stillwater Fire Department and was a valued member of the Stillwater Rescue Squad; in his leisure, he enjoyed bowling and was the treasurer of the Mechanicville-Stillwater Bowling league; he was also a member of the Sons of Italy, the American Legion Post 490, and was an honorary life member of the Mechanicville Area Seniors; and WHEREAS, This noble veteran was married to his beloved wife, Frances Messore, and together they had four cherished children; and WHEREAS, Thomas J. Messore Sr. died on December 24, 2021; 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, Thomas J. Messore Sr. 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 Thomas J. Messore Sr. 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 Thomas J. Messore Sr.