LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Thomas F. Jourdanais, Jr. 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 Thomas F.
Jourdanais, Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an indi-
vidual by the New York State Senate, to be celebrated on Tuesday, April
21, 2015, at the Saratoga County Honor-A-Deceased Veteran Ceremony; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by a
resolution in 2014 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 on July 14, 1949, in Cohoes, New York, Thomas F. Jour-
danais, Jr. moved with his family to Waterford, New York, in 1964; and
WHEREAS, A 1968 graduate of Shenendehowa High School, Clifton Park,
New York, Thomas F. Jourdanais, Jr. was a communicant of St. Mary's
Church, Crescent, New York; and
WHEREAS, Following graduation, Thomas F. Jourdanais, Jr. began his
service to his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps;
after completing his training at Parris Island, South Carolina, he
arrived in South Vietnam on December 22, 1968; and
WHEREAS, During an operation in the Quang Nam Province, 20-year-old
Thomas F. Jourdanais, Jr. was wounded and, after succumbing to his inju-
ries, died on January 1, 1969, in Vietnam, with the esteemed rank of
Private First Class; and
WHEREAS, Thomas F. Jourdanais, Jr. is survived by his sister, Beatrice
Jourdanais-Thibodeau, and five other relatives, Marlene Jourdanais,
Robert Jourdanais, Kathy Hurlburt, Richard Jourdanais, and Maryann Sene-
cal; 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 gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; Thomas F. Jourdanais, Jr. was one such soldier; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Thomas F. Jourdanais, Jr. 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
honor Thomas F. Jourdanais, Jr. 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 tran-
smitted to the family of Thomas F. Jourdanais, Jr.