Senate Resolution No. 5940

BY: Senator AMEDORE

COMMENDING Ralph F. Boyd, Sr. 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, 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 commend Ralph F.
Boyd, Sr. 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 Schenectady County Honor A
Deceased Veteran Ceremony on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at St. Luke's
Pastoral Center, Schenectady, New York; 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 December 11, 1918, to John and Ida (Pinter) Boyd,
in Norfolk, Virginia, Ralph F. Boyd, Sr. was raised in Baltimore,
Maryland, where he attended Morgan State University from 1940 to 1942;
and

WHEREAS, Ralph F. Boyd, Sr. valiantly served his country as a member
of the United States Army from July 31, 1942, until November 5, 1945,
achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Ralph F.
Boyd, Sr. was awarded the European Service Medal with three Bronze
Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal and the American Theater Ribbon; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Schenectady, New York, for more than 70
years, Ralph F. Boyd, Sr. began his illustrious career with General
Electric Company in 1947, retiring in 1980 as a Foreman/Supervisor in
the Large Steam Turbine Division; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Ralph F. Boyd, Sr. was a Deacon at
the First Baptist Church of Schenectady, as well as co-Founder and
President of both the NAACP Schenectady Chapter and Baptist Retirement
Center; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary man also served on the Board of
Directors for the Schenectady County Action Committee (SCAP) and as a
member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 357; and

WHEREAS, Ralph F. Boyd, Sr. was awarded the 1978 Gerald Phillippe
Public Service Award by the General Electric Company and was recognized
as a Schenectady Patroon by Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton in November
of 2008; and


WHEREAS, Ralph F. Boyd, Sr. is survived by his loving wife,
Catherine Jean (Cox) Boyd; his son, Ralph F. Boyd, Jr. (Angela); and
five 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,
Ralph F. Boyd, Sr. 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 Ralph F. Boyd, Sr. 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 Ralph F. Boyd, Sr.