Senate Resolution No. 531

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING Corporal Robert Dixon 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 peace-time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Corporal
Robert Dixon 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; he was nominated for this prestigious award by the
Reverend Francis A. Kelley Society which diligently works to honor and
care for our local everyday heroes and educate the community about their
valorous and sacrificial acts both on and off the battlefield; 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, Corporal Robert Dixon honorably served his country as a
member of the United States Army at the United States Military Academy
at West Point during World War II; he was the last living Buffalo
Soldier to have taught the Equestrian Arts Course to Army Cadets; and

WHEREAS, Buffalo Soldiers served their country from 1866-1947; their
duties included fighting in the Indian wars of the late 1800s,
protecting the infrastructure of the West, and fighting in the
Spanish-American War, World War I in France, and World War II during the
Italian Campaign; and

WHEREAS, Buffalo Soldiers fought fiercely and courageously for their
country, followed orders and completed their military missions
successfully in spite of enduring racism and discrimination throughout
their military and community careers; and

WHEREAS, In honor of their meritorious service, the Buffalo Soldiers
Monument was dedicated at West Point in 2021, and Corporal Robert Dixon
proudly attended this moving event; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Robert Dixon
returned to New York State, and devoted himself to the Congregational
Church in Salt Point, New York, (1946-1976) followed by the
Congregational Church in Albany, New York, (1977-2013) where he
championed for human and civil rights with the church and the
community-at-large; and

WHEREAS, After a man was killed by Albany police on July 8, 1984,
Reverend Robert Dixon was asked to join with city and community leaders
to form the first Albany Police/Civilian Review Board to investigate the

shooting and develop a plan to restore calm and diffuse civil unrest;
thanks to the work of the Police/Civilian Review Board and the work of
church and community leaders, order was restored, and unrest was
diffused; and

WHEREAS, As a result of Reverend Robert Dixon and his fellow
leaders' tireless efforts on the first Police/Civilian Review Board,
three major reforms were put into place over the years that would
improve relations between the police and the neighborhoods in Albany;
these included a mobile crisis unit to accompany the police on calls in
which mental illness was suspected or known; the formation of the Center
for Law and Justice which through the years has promoted policies to
ensure the promotion of a fair and equitable criminal justice system
devoted to public safety and social justice; and the adoption of a
community policing system based on collaboration between the police and
the neighborhoods that make up Albany; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Corporal Robert Dixon 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 Corporal Robert Dixon 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 Corporal Robert Dixon.