Senate Resolution No. 323

BY: Senator TEDISCO

HONORING John S. Edwards posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
by Schenectady County at its
Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on January 21,
2017

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 S. Edwards posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Schenectady County at its
Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony to be celebrated on Saturday, January
21, 2017, at the American Legion Post No. 1092, Niskayuna, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Schenectady County Honor-A-Veteran Committee is holding
its inaugural awards ceremony to honor deceased Schenectady County
Veterans who have served their country in time of conflict; and

WHEREAS, Born October 21, 1925, in Oakham, Massachusetts, John S.
Edwards attended Barre High School in Barre, Massachusettes, and later
earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nebraska and a Master
of Arts from Boston University; and

WHEREAS, John S. Edwards faithfully served his country as a member
of the United States Army during World War II, the Korean War and the
Vietnam War; his exceptional service earned him 40 United States and
foreign decorations and awards including the Legion of Merit, the
Daughters of the American Revolution Medal of Honor and a Purple Heart;
and

WHEREAS, The son of a World War I veteran, John S. Edwards was a
career military officer, retiring in 1972 with the rank of Colonel; his
distinguished service included participation in eleven major battle
campaigns, the 1952 Nevada Atomic Tests and a Pentagon posting in
Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, During World War II, John S. Edwards was shot down on his
24th mission over Germany and was taken Prisoner of War (POW); in May of
1945, he was liberated by General George Patton's 14th Armored Division;
through his POW experience, he forged his lasting faith, love of family,
love of freedom, and respect for food; and

WHEREAS, Following his military career, John S. Edwards entered New
York State service which included leadership roles as Executive Director
for the New York State Interdepartmental Fuel and Energy Committee, and

Director of Contingency Planning for the New York State Energy Office;
he retired from New York State in 1994; and

WHEREAS, Forever active in veterans' support activities, John S.
Edwards was the First Commander of the New York Chapter of Ex-POWs and
served as its National Commander from 1989-1990; he was also Past
President of the Northeast Chapter of the Korean War Veterans, National
Committee Chairman to establish the National POW Museum at
Andersonville, Georgia, and founder and Chapter President of the New
York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center in Saratoga
Springs, New York; and

WHEREAS, John S. Edwards died on Monday, April 11, 2016, at the age
of 90; and

WHEREAS, John S. Edwards was a loving and caring husband to his
wife, Helga, a caring father to John S. Jr. and Laura, and a proud
grandfather to his five grandchildren, Emma, Jurgen, Henry, Tristan and
Hagan; 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 John S. Edwards posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by Schenectady County at its
Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on January 21, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of John S. Edwards.