LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring James A. Smith, 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 James A.
Smith, Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by
the New York State Senate, to be celebrated at the Saratoga County
Honor-A-Deceased Veteran Ceremony in September of 2015; 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, James A. Smith, Jr. was born on April 5, 1921, in Wallington,
New Jersey; he lived in Passaic during his early years, and then moved
with his family to Greenfield Center where he resided for the remainder
of his life; and
WHEREAS, On August 16, 1942, James A. Smith, Jr. entered into the
United States Marine Corps; this valiant man was discharged on October
16, 1945, with the rank of Corporal; and
WHEREAS, After his military service, James A. Smith, Jr. worked at the
International Paper Company for more than 37 years of dedicated service
before retiring in 1983; and
WHEREAS, He was a lifelong member and former Captain of the Greenfield
Fire House No. 1, and a member of the SPA Marine Corps League Detachment
No. 641; he was also a 3rd degree member of the Saratoga Council 246
Knights of Columbus, a Life Member of Saratoga Assembly 745 4th degree
and served many years with their color corps; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, James A. Smith, Jr. served on the Parish Council
at St. Joseph's Church as well as the Planning Board in Greenfield
Center; in his spare time, he was part of a three person band known as
the Frontiermen where he enjoyed playing his guitar; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
James A. Smith, 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 James A. Smith, Jr. 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 James A. Smith, Jr.