LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring James E. McGraw, Sr. posthumously upon
the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany County
at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on June 6, 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; 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
James E. McGraw, Sr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony
on June 6, 2016, at the American Legion Joseph E. Zaloga Post 1520,
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;
the committee was formed to honor a deceased Albany County veteran, who
has served his country in time of conflict; the Honor-A-Veteran Program
takes place on the first Monday of each month; and
WHEREAS, For his courageous and dedicated service to his country,
James E. McGraw, Sr. will be recognized at this year's June Honor-A-Vet-
eran Ceremony; and
WHEREAS, Born on April 4, 1950, in Vincent, Alabama, James E. McGraw,
Sr. proudly served his country with honor and distinction from October
1969 to October 1972, as a Mortar Man in the United States Marine Corps;
and
WHEREAS, During the Vietnam War, James E. McGraw, Sr. served as a
Corporal in Company C, First Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, where he
earned numerous awards and accolades for his meritorious service includ-
ing the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the
Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon; and
WHEREAS, Following his discharge, James E. McGraw, Sr. held the posi-
tion of Machinist at the Watervliet Arsenal; when he was not working, he
enjoyed bowling and shooting pool; and
WHEREAS, James E. McGraw, Sr. is survived by his wife, Leona L.; his
mother, Ruth McCoy; his two sons, James, Jr. and Terry; and his daugh-
ter, Niesha; 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 their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore the highest respect of their 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 E. McGraw, Sr. posthumously upon the occasion of his desig-
nation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor-A-Veteran
Ceremony on June 6, 2016; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of James E. McGraw, Sr.