J 2367: Commending Raymond G. McKnight 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. 2367 BY: Senator TEDISCO COMMENDING Raymond G. McKnight 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 Raymond G. McKnight 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, Raymond G. McKnight, former resident of the Town of Greenfield, New York, will be honored posthumously at the Saratoga County Honor our Deceased Veterans Ceremony on Tuesday, August 18, 2026; 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, Raymond G. McKnight was born on August 9, 1925, in Porter Corners, New York to parents Louis and Bertha Mae; he later graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1944; and WHEREAS, Raymond G. McKnight entered into the U.S. Army on March 13, 1944, where he served as a Combat Infantryman with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 117th Infantry Regiment; and WHEREAS, Arriving in the European Theatre on October 17, 1944, Raymond G. McKnight joined his unit in fighting in and around Belgium and the German border; he participated in the Battle of the Bulge before crossing back into Germany; and WHEREAS, A man of great courage and sacrifice, Raymond G. McKnight received a Purple Heart for a wound he received in his arm on March 26, 1945, just two days after crossing the Rhine River; and WHEREAS, For his valuable service in the war, Raymond G. McKnight also received the WWII Victory Medal, The European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal; and WHEREAS, Discharged from the U.S. Army on December 21, 1945, Raymond G. McKnight held the rank of Private First Class; and WHEREAS, Raymond G. McKnight married his beloved wife, Fay, in 1973, and together, they had three adored daughters; and WHEREAS, Upon his return from service, Raymond G. McKnight pursued an 11-year career at the International Paper Company in Corinth before joining the United States Postal Service in 1955, working diligently as a rural letter carrier in Porter Corners and Greenfield, New York, and retired in 1987; and WHEREAS, An involved member of his community, Raymond G. McKnight was a member of the Gull Gospel Assembly Church where he spent much time working with local youth; he was also a charter member of the Greenfield Fire Company No. 2; and WHEREAS, In his leisure, Raymond G. McKnight enjoyed participating in a Tuesday night bowling league and enjoyed hunting as an avid woodsman with the Baldwin Hunting Club of Stony Creek; and WHEREAS, With a life marked by bravery, selfless service to others, and a deep love for his family and friends, Raymond G. McKnight died on December 8, 1987; 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, Raymond G. McKnight demonstrated his love for his country and merits forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Raymond G. McKnight 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 Raymond G. McKnight.