Senate Resolution No. 12

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Merrill S. Patrick 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 Merrill S.
Patrick 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

WHEREAS, A resident of Saratoga, Merrill S. Patrick will be honored
during the monthly Honor Deceased Veterans Ceremony, held at the
Saratoga County Municipal Center in Ballston Spa, New York, on Tuesday,
November 19, 2024; 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, Merrill S. Patrick was born to Claude and Carrie Merrill in
West Rupert, Vermont, on June 18, 1917; he attended schools in
Schuylerville, New York; and

WHEREAS, On October 4,1934, Merrill S. Patrick, only 17 years old,
entered the Civilian Conservation Corps, a government work relief
program to help the United States recover from the Great Depression; on
May 15, 1937, he was discharged; and

WHEREAS, On April 9, 1941, Merrill S. Patrick enlisted in the United
States Army, serving with Company G, 28th Infantry Regiment, 8th
Infantry Division, during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Merrill S. Patrick landed on Utah Beach in France on July
4,1944, and was wounded only eight days later in Normandy, earning the
Purple Heart; after his hospitalization, he was transferred to the
United States where he recovered until he was discharged, as Private
First Class, on May 12, 1945; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service, Merrill S. Patrick was awarded
not only the Purple Heart but also the Good Conduct Medal, the
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Bronze Campaign
Star, and the Combat Infantryman Badge; and

WHEREAS, Merrill S. Patrick married the love of his life, Marvil,
and the couple were blessed with two sons and two daughters; and

WHEREAS, For 35 years, Merrill S. Patrick worked as a Beater
Operator at the United Board and Carton Corporation in Thompson after
which he was employed at Schuylerville Central Schools for 10 years,
retiring in 1978; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Merrill S. Patrick was a member of
the American Legion Old Saratoga Post No. 278, a member of the Committee
of the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of America, and a coach for the Little
League program in Schuylerville for many years; and

WHEREAS, Merrill S. Patrick died on November 4, 1990, at the age of
73; he is missed by all who count themselves fortunate to have shared
their lives with him; 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 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,
Merrill S. Patrick 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 Merrill S. Patrick 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 Merrill S. Patrick.