LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John J. Ruff posthumously upon the occa-
sion of his designation for special recognition by Albany County at its
Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on June 1, 2015

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; 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 honor John
J. Ruff posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Albany County at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on Monday,
June 1, 2015, at the American Legion North Albany Post 1610, Albany, New
York; and
WHEREAS, In June of 1993, a committee was formed by the Albany County
Veterans Bureau known as the Albany County Honor-A-Veteran Committee to
honor deceased Albany County veterans who have served their country in
time of conflict; the Honor-A-Veteran Program takes place monthly on the
first Monday of each month; and
WHEREAS, For his courageous and dedicated service to his country, John
J. Ruff will be recognized at this year's June Honor-A-Veteran Ceremo-
ny; and
WHEREAS, John J. Ruff, who died in 2010, at the age of 77, served his
country with honor and distinction from June 12, 1952 through June 8,
1954, as a member of the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, A Sergeant who served in the Korean War, John J. Ruff was
awarded the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and
the United Nations Service Medal; and
WHEREAS, Upon his discharge, John J. Ruff was employed at the New York
Power and Light Company in Albany, New York, and was a Sergeant with the
East Greenbush Police Department; he was also a member of Ironworker
Local No. 12; and
WHEREAS, Active in several veterans organizations, John J. Ruff was
the founding member of North Albany Post 1610 Color Guard, where he
acted as Captain; in this capacity, he was responsible for improving
original North Albany Post 1610 by creating a bar operation in the late
1950s; and
WHEREAS, In addition, John J. Ruff held the positions of Commander of
North Albany Post 1610, and was Chairman of the 25 Week Club, subse-
quently, he was awarded Lifetime Membership; he also served as Marshal
of the North Albany Limerick Parade and built Limerick floats; 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; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, John
J. Ruff 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 John J. Ruff posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Albany County at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on
June 1, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of John J. Ruff.