Senate Resolution No. 2736

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.