Senate Resolution No. 3495

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

HONORING Paul T. Rustin 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
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

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 peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Paul T.
Rustin 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, to be presented at the Rensselaer County
Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony; 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, Born on March 22, 1936, in Glens Falls, New York, Paul T.
Rustin proudly served his country with honor and distinction as a member
of the United States Navy aboard the USS Des Moines from April 6, 1954
to January 25, 1957; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service, Paul T. Rustin was awarded the
Navy Occupation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Paul T. Rustin
spent his career in the auto body industry; and

WHEREAS, Paul T. Rustin died on April 12, 2016; he is survived by
his wife, Barbara; three sons, Wayne, Paul Jr. and Doug; two
step-children, Karen and Jeff; three brothers, Irvin (Carm), Thomas
(Dawn) and John (Carolyn); two sisters, Ellen (Paul) and Phyllis; two
grandchildren, Wayne and Dillon; two step-grandchildren, Lavinia and
Kiera; and one great-granddaughter; 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,
Paul T. Rustin 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 Paul T. Rustin 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; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Paul T. Rustin.