Senate Resolution No. 1720

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Raymond J. Zerwick 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 esteemed Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Raymond J.
Zerwick 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 presented at the Deceased Veterans Ceremony
that will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the County Building
in Ballston Spa, 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, Born on July 12, 1927, Raymond Zerwick was raised in
Watervliet, New York by his parents Robert and Mary; and

WHEREAS, Entering active duty on July 25, 1944, Raymond Zerwick
served our Nation in the United States Navy during World War II and
Korea as a Constructionman with the Navy Construction Battalion or the
Seabees; his service took him from California through the Pacific to
Okinawa; and

WHEREAS, After serving honorably in WWII, Raymond Zerwick was
discharged to the US Navy Reserves in June of 1946; he was recalled to
active duty in January of 1950 and served another two years during the
Korean War, serving in Guam and the Marianas Islands; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II and the
Korean War, Raymond Zerwick was awarded the American Campaign Medal, the
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the Navy Occupation Medal w/ Asia Clasp,
Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, and the WWII Victory Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on April 26,
1952, Raymond Zerwick was honorably discharged after his incredible
devotion to the United States Navy; and

WHEREAS, After his service, Raymond Zerwick worked at
Behr-Manning/Norton Co. in Watervliet as a Machinist for over 40 years;
and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Raymond Zerwick was the Chief of
their in-house fire department, served on the Safety Committee and
Benefits Committee, worked as a NYS Fire Instructor to teach at the
volunteer Fire Department's throughout Saratoga County, and was also a

member of the Schuyler Hose Co. for 63 years, service as Chief for 25 of
those years; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Raymond Zerwick was a communicant of Notre
Dame Visitation Church, a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus,
and the Old Saratoga Post No. 278 American Legion in Schuylerville; and

WHEREAS, Truly devoted to the armed forces and helping the veteran
community, Raymond Zerwick was also a founding member of the Saratoga
National Cemetery Honor Guard, and was proud to honor his fellow
Veterans whenever he could; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Zerwick passed away on October 9, 2020, at the age
of 93, leaving a remarkable legacy; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Zerwick is survived by his wife of 71 years,
Theresa, and together they had 2 children Timothy and Peg, all of whom
felt great pride in his life accomplishments and his selflessness; 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 Zerwick 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 Raymond J. Zerwick 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 J. Zerwick.