LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Gordon Wayne Brown, 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, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Gordon Wayne
Brown, 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, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was created in 2000,
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 in Lorraine, New York, on May 12, 1937, to Kellogg and
Helen Ansted Brown, Gordon Wayne Brown was raised and educated in Adams
Center, New York; and
WHEREAS, Gordon Wayne Brown served with honor and distinction in the
United States Air Force from 1954 to 1958, doing active duty in Korea;
he earned the National Defense Service Medal, as well as the Good
Conduct Medal; and
WHEREAS, After separating from service, Gordon Wayne Brown enrolled in
SUNY Cortland and graduated in 1962 with a degree in education; and
WHEREAS, For the next several decades Gordon Wayne Brown dedicated his
professional life to the education and uplift of youth as a teacher and
principal in Lansingburgh, New York, beginning as a 6th grade teacher
and assistant football coach, and then, in 1970 as principal of Whipple,
Whipple Annex and Pleasantdale Schools, followed by his illustrious
service as principal at Turnpike Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, Gordon Wayne Brown continued to demonstrate his deep love for
his country and community by engaging in numerous civic endeavors; he
was very involved with Little League as treasurer, manager and independ-
ent league coach, became a charter member of the Lansingburgh Kiwanis in
1982, serving as its president from 1987 to 1988, was involved with
formation of the Youth Soccer Program, was a vital member of the Lans-
ingburgh Historical Society, and became very active in the American Red
Cross, serving as a volunteer in New York City immediately following
9/11; and
WHEREAS, Individuals such as Gordon Wayne Brown, who devoted their
lives to improving the quality of life for others, are deserving of the
highest praise and recognition; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Gordon Wayne Brown, posthumously, upon the occasion of his desig-
nation 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 tran-
smitted to the family of Gordon Wayne Brown.