Assembly Resolution No. 554

BY: M. of A. Norris

COMMENDING veteran Stephen Lacki for his
meritorious service to the United States Marines
during the Korean War

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, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend veteran Stephen Lacki for his meritorious service to the United
States Marines during the Korean War, to be celebrated at a Memorial Day
Event on Monday, May 29, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Ninety-year-old Stephen Lacki was raised on his family
dairy farm in Pendleton, New York; after graduating from high school in
May of 1950, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and completed
boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina; since he was only 17
years-old, he was sent to California for Special Weaponry Training; and

WHEREAS, After turning 18, Stephen Lacki proudly served his country
as a member of the 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, 4th Division during the
Korean War; during his first year of duty, he was wounded as a Squad
Leader; and

WHEREAS, Later, Stephen Lacki took part in the Battle for Hill No.
749 which was an integral enemy strong hold; for his meritorious
service, he was awarded many commendations and medals; and

WHEREAS, After learning Stephen Lacki was multi-lingual and spoke
fluid Polish, the Marines sent him to language school where he became
fluent in Russian, and would go on to learn how to speak five languages
in total; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of active duty, Stephen Lacki returned
to his hometown, entered the Reserves, and became a member of the
National Rifle Association, where he won many championships; and

WHEREAS, Under the GI Bill, Stephen Lacki earned a degree in
metallurgy from Erie County Technical School (now Erie Co. Community
College); he then took a summer job at Carborundum Metals in Akron, New
York, as a spectographer, which was a new science at the time; during
his 10 years of service and with help from his employer, he earned his
degree in chemistry; and

WHEREAS, Stephen Lacki married the former Floy Baker, and together,
they raised their children in Lockport, New York; unfortunately, his
nine-year-old son, Johnny, tragically died of leukemia; and


WHEREAS, Stephen and Floy Lacki loved to square dance and taught
classes for many years at the Lockport 4-H Center; and

WHEREAS, In 1962, Stephen Lacki went to work at Simons Steele of
Lockport where he was employed as a chemistry manager; after 22 years,
he was hired as a corporate research engineer with Carborundum Corp of
Niagara Falls, New York, where he retired in 1996, after 21 years of
service; and

WHEREAS, In the early years of his retirement, Stephen Lacki spent
three years training the employees of Harrison Radiator Co. how to use
their spectrometer machine which cost well over a million dollars; and

WHEREAS, Stephen Lacki also wrote several articles and/or book
reviews in military magazines and gave interviews relating his military
experience; he has a large collection of war-time memorabilia and has
attended several anniversary celebrations of the Korean War and has made
many friends, many of whom served in his division; and

WHEREAS, In 2000, Stephen Lacki traveled to Camp Pendleton for the
50th Anniversary of the Korean War where the Korean Ambassador gave him
a beautiful Korean flag observing the years of the war and is printed in
both Korean and English; in 2007, he was invited to attend the
dedication of a United States Marine monument at Quantico, Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Stephen Lacki has truly lived a life of service to his
country, family, and community; although he has lost his wife and three
of his five children, he enjoys telling stories about his many
adventures and his loved ones, especially his granddaughter who served
in the United States Marine Corps and spent four years playing in its
prestigious band; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Stephen Lacki has 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 veteran Stephen Lacki for his meritorious service to the United
States Marines during the Korean War; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Stephen Lacki.