Senate Resolution No. 4750

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

COMMENDING John T. Shaw 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 peace-time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend John T.
Shaw 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 Columbia County
Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on Monday, April 23, 2018; 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, John T. Shaw was born January 8, 1932, to Robert and
Frances (Doyle) Shaw in Poughkeepsie, New York; he attended Martin Van
Buren School in Kinderhook, New York; and

WHEREAS, Upon graduating, John T. Shaw worked as a farmer before
enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on August 7, 1950, in
Albany, New York; after he successfully completed basic training, he
became a small arms technician and was assigned to Headquarters Company,
2nd Battalion, 8th Marines in the 2nd Marine Division during the Korean
War; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the War, John T. Shaw was
awarded the United Nations Ribbon and the Korean Service Medal; and

WHEREAS, After completion of his military service on March 13, 1952,
John T. Shaw returned to his hometown and began working for the New York
State Police in 1956; he served as Station Commander in both Claverack
and New Lebanon, New York; and

WHEREAS, On September 19, 1959, John T. Shaw married the former
Kathleen McGuire in Hoosick Falls, New York, and together, the couple
raised five children; and

WHEREAS, John T. Shaw officially retired from the New York State
Police with the rank of Sergeant after 20 years of service in December
of 1976; he was then employed with the Amtrak Police Department in
Rensselaer, New York, followed by Peduzzi Roofing Company; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, John T. Shaw ran for the
position of Columbia County Sheriff, and was a member of VFW Post 9593,
Valatie American Legion, New York State Police Benevolent Association,
and the Valatie Tri-Village Rod and Gun Club; he was also a communicant
of St. John the Baptist Church in Valatie; and

WHEREAS, John T. Shaw died on August 18, 1981, at the age of 49; he
is survived by his wife, Kathleen; two daughters, Sharon and Kathleen;
three sons, John, Thomas, and Robert; 11 grandchildren, and seven
great-grandchildren; 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,
John T. Shaw 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
commend John T. Shaw 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 John T. Shaw.