J 357: Congratulating George Becker upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday on February 22, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 357 BY: Senator HELMING CONGRATULATING George Becker upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday on February 22, 2025 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate George Becker upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday on Saturday, February 22, 2025; and WHEREAS, George Becker enlisted in the United States Navy on November 23, 1942, at the age of 17; he attended boot camp and Navy Class A school at Sampson Naval Training Station in Romulus, New York, training as an Electrician's Mate from March to July of 1943; and WHEREAS, In August 1943, George Becker was sent to Treasure Island, California, where he joined the commissioning crew of the USS Emery, a destroyer escort; the ship set sail for the South Pacific in October of the same year; one month later, the Emery became part of a 200-ship task force that took part in the invasion of the Gilbert Islands; and WHEREAS, After returning to Pearl Harbor in December 1943, the Emery set off again as part of the task force that invaded the Marshall Islands in January 1944; and WHEREAS, George Becker participated in several protection and escort missions throughout World War II; on December 1, 1944, he was reassigned to Camp Perry, where he completed Class B Advanced Electrician's Mate school in July 1945; and WHEREAS, Following his training, George Becker joined the crew of the USS Admiral W.S. Sims, a troop transport ship commissioned after the war's conclusion; WHEREAS, When Japan officially surrendered on V-J Day, September 2, 1945, the USS Admiral W.S. Sims was tasked with transporting American troops back home; George Becker and his fellow sailors made two trips to Manila and one to Okinawa, bringing nearly 5,000 troops on each journey; and WHEREAS, George Becker was honorably discharged on April 3, 1946, at the esteemed rank of Electrician's Mate Second Class; in recognition of his service, he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; and WHEREAS, George Becker returned to Rochester, New York, on April 4, 1946, and a week later, he began working at Rochester Gas & Electric, where he remained until his retirement in 1987, after 41 years of service; and WHEREAS, A resident of Riga, New York, George Becker continued to contribute to his community after his military service; he played an active role in the Town of Riga's development, serving on the Board of Assessment Review, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Monroe County Planning Council; he also served for 27 years on the Town Planning Board, eight of which he was chairman; and WHEREAS, George Becker met his wife, Florence, in the summer of 1940; they dated during his service and married on October 25, 1947; they were together for nearly 61 years until Florence's passing on October 11, 2008; and WHEREAS, Together, George and Florence Becker had four sons: David, Douglas, Daniel, and Bruce; Bruce passed away on April 2, 2016; George is also the proud grandfather of five grandchildren: Douglas Becker Jr., Kathy Rudd, Suzie Bird, Jessica Wallace, and Andrew Becker, and has eight great-grandchildren: James Becker, Nicholas Becker, Cierra Becker, Isaac Rudd, Abby Rudd, Hannah Bird, Carter Bird, and Harper Wallace; and WHEREAS, George Becker often reflects on how his time in the military taught him to respect authority, work well with others, be patient, and appreciate what he has; he still lives independently, taking care of his home and tending to his large lawn, which he mows himself; and WHEREAS, George Becker, with his zest for life, has inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian has experienced the incredible joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina and courage to savor a full life; and WHEREAS, George Becker has enriched the lives of those around him through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the profound charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments, and magnificent achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate George Becker upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to George Becker.