LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Carlton F. Rider for 70 years of dedi-
cated service as a member of the American Legion, as well as for his
valuable service to his community, to be celebrated on his 100th Birth-
day, January 29, 2016

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 from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict; Carlton F. Rider is one
such individual; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Carlton F.
Rider for 70 years of dedicated service as a member of the American
Legion, as well as for his valuable service to his community, to be
celebrated on his 100th Birthday, January 29, 2016, at the American
Legion Post No. 168, St. Johnsville, New York; and
WHEREAS, Carlton F. Rider, the sixth of eight siblings, was born on
January 29, 1916, to Wallace and Maude Rider in St. Johnsville, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Carlton F. Rider, affectionately known as Carlie, is a 1935
graduate of St. Johnsville High School where he excelled in baseball; in
addition to athletics, he received an award for having the highest Amer-
ican History average; and
WHEREAS, After graduating high school, Carlton F. Rider worked for
Luxer Textiles, which is now Helmont Mills, as a weaving and knitting
machine operator; and
WHEREAS, In 1936, upon receiving an athletic scholarship, Carlton F.
Rider was a member of the St. Bonaventure University baseball team; he
also played in the American-Canadian League in 1939; and
WHEREAS, Carlton F. Rider proudly served his country as a member of
the United States Army during World War II from January 16, 1942 until
November 8, 1945; and
WHEREAS, During his military service, Carlton F. Rider was a soldier
with a Cavalry outfit in such important campaigns as Normandy, Northern
France, and the Rhineland, and was promoted to the esteemed rank of
First Sergeant; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous decorations and citations for his
courageous efforts, Carlton F. Rider was awarded the American Service
Medal, Good Conduct Medal and European-African-Middle Eastern Service
Medal; and
WHEREAS, He was also presented with a Certificate of Merit and Cita-
tion for his exceptional meritorious conduct in performance of outstand-
ing service in France, Holland and Germany; and
WHEREAS, After being honorably discharged from his military service,
Carlton F. Rider returned to his former job at Luxer Textiles holding
such positions as machine operator, Supervisor of Transportation and
Office Management Costing Coordinator, before retiring in 1995; and
WHEREAS, Since 1945, Carlton F. Rider has been a devoted member of
Morris J. Edwards American Legion Post No. 168, St. Johnsville, New
York; he is also a 70 year member of the Masonic Lodge in St. Johns-
ville; and
WHEREAS, In 1948, Carlton F. Rider married Catherine Stever, and
together, they were the proud parents of one son, Calvin Rider, and one
step-daughter, Natalie Weaver; and
WHEREAS, An integral part of his community, Carlton F. Rider has
contributed his time and energy to the St. Johnsville Volunteer Fire

Department as a member, and later, as Captain; he also served with the
Fire Police, the American Red Cross, and was elected to the position of
Trustee on the St. Johnsville Village Board; furthermore, at one time,
he was President of the Mohawk Valley Baseball League; and
WHEREAS, A man of faith, Carlton F. Rider is a longtime member of the
Grace Congregational Church, where he served as Vice Chairman of the
Council, Officer/Trustee and President of the Men's Club; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Carlton F. Rider has truly demonstrated his love for his country and
merits forevermore the highest respect of this 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; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Carlton F. Rider for 70 years of dedicated service as a member
of the American Legion, as well as for his valuable service to his
community, and to extend to him best wishes on a very Happy 100th Birth-
day; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Carlton F. Rider.