Senate Resolution No. 4174

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING John F. O'Donnell posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
by Albany County at its Honor A Veteran Ceremony on
April 2, 2018

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 F. O'Donnell posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Albany County at its Honor A Veteran Ceremony on
Monday, April 2, 2018, at the American Legion Joseph E. Zaloga Post No.
1520 in 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 monthly on the first Monday of each month;
and

WHEREAS, For his courageous and dedicated service to his country,
John F. O'Donnell will be recognized posthumously at this year's April
Honor A Veteran Ceremony; and

WHEREAS, John F. O'Donnell was born on March 8, 1921, in Albany, New
York; and

WHEREAS, From 1942-1946, John F. O'Donnell proudly served his
country as a member of the United States Army during World War II; he
was assigned to Bravo Company 791st Military Police Battalion where he
held the rank of Sergeant (SGT/E5); and

WHEREAS, For his bravery, this courageous soldier was awarded the
American Theater Ribbon, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and the World War
II Victory Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, John F.
O'Donnell returned to the Capital District where he worked as a City of
Albany Firefighter for Ladder No. 1 on Westerlo Street; and

WHEREAS, John F. O'Donnell died on December 13, 1966, in Albany, New
York, at the age of 45; 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
commend John F. O'Donnell posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor A
Veteran Ceremony on April 2, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of John F. O'Donnell.