J 19: Commending Technician Fourth Grade Joseph S. Cesternino posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the

 Senate Resolution No. 19 BY: Senator HINCHEY COMMENDING Technician Fourth Grade Joseph S. Cesternino 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 Technician Fourth Grade Joseph S. Cesternino 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 Columbia County Honor a Veteran Ceremony on Monday, November 25, 2024, at the Columbia County office building in Hudson, New York; 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, Joseph S. Cesternino was born on November 23, 1925, to Anthony and Jenny (Giavonni Giffo) Cesternino in Hudson, New York, where he grew up and attended Hudson High School before working as a shipping clerk; and WHEREAS, Joseph S. Cesternino proudly enlisted in the United States Army on March 8, 1944; and WHEREAS, After completing basic training at Camp Stewart, Georgia, where he qualified with the 30-caliber machine gun and the M1 rifle, Technician Fourth Grade Joseph S. Cesternino was assigned to the 455th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion in the European Theater of Operation on January 16, 1945; and WHEREAS, During this time, Technician Fourth Grade Joseph S. Cesternino served as a dispatch clerk along with other duties; he and his unit landed in Normandy and raced across France and Germany for months until May of 1945; and WHEREAS, The 455th AAA Automatic Weapons Battalion was issued a Letter of Commendation by General George S. Patton for their exemplary service in helping to defeat the Nazi regime; Technician Fourth Grade Joseph S. Cesternino was honorably discharged on May 16, 1946, at Fort Dix, New Jersey; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Technician Fourth Grade Joseph S. Cesternino was awarded the EAME Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal; and WHEREAS, Upon returning home, Joseph S. Cesternino and the former Elizabeth Coons were united in marriage; and WHEREAS, Joseph S. Cesternino worked for the Atlas Cement Co., then the Sutterley Brick Co., and was the foreman for the Laborer's International Union in Albany, before starting his own business, Cesternino Construction Co., with his two sons; he retired after 20 years; and WHEREAS; Predeceased by his wife, Joseph S. Cesternino died on September 10, 2020, and was buried in West Ghent Cemetery; he left behind two sons, Gary and Joseph, six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; he was 94 years old; 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, Technician Fourth Grade Joseph S. Cesternino 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 Technician Fourth Grade Joseph S. Cesternino 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 Technician Fourth Grade Joseph S. Cesternino.