Senate Resolution No. 20

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING Anthony F. Schmitz posthumously upon
the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Albany County at its Honor a Veteran
Ceremony on October 1, 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
commend Anthony F. Schmitz posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor a
Veteran Ceremony on Monday, October 1, 2018, at North Albany American
Legion Post No. 1610 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,
Anthony F. Schmitz will be recognized posthumously at this year's
October Honor A Veteran Ceremony; and

WHEREAS, Anthony F. Schmitz was born on July 30, 1924, in Albany,
New York; and

WHEREAS, From March 12, 1943 until December 22, 1945, Anthony F.
Schmitz proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army
during World War II; he was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 157th Infantry
Regiment, 45th Infantry Division where he held the rank of Private First
Class E3; and

WHEREAS, For his selfless bravery, this courageous soldier was
awarded the Bronze Star Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal;
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Bronze Arrow Head,
Silver Star and Bronze Star; World War II Victory Medal; World War II
Occupation Medal with Germany clasp; New York State Conspicuous Service
Cross; New York State Conspicuous Service Star; Army Presidential Unit
Citation; Combat Infantry Badge and French Croix de Guerre with palm;
and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Anthony F.
Schmitz returned to the Capital District where he worked as a postal

clerk for USPS and served as a caseworker for the Albany County
Department of Social Services; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his community and fellow veterans, Anthony F.
Schmitz was a vital member of the American Legion North Albany Post and
enjoyed working with children at the Albany School of Humanities and
visiting hospital patients through the Catholic Diocese; and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his
community, Anthony F. Schmitz was inducted into both the
Mohawk-Battalion ROTC Hall of Fame and the Bishop Maginn High School
Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Anthony F. Schmitz died on November 25, 2017, in Albany,
New York, at the age of 93; 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 Anthony F. Schmitz posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor a
Veteran Ceremony on October 1, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Anthony F. Schmitz.