Senate Resolution No. 2181

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Gilbert Wendt 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 Gilbert Wendt 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 a veteran's picnic on Saturday, September 14, 2019; 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, Gilbert Wendt was born on July 23, 1916, in a farmhouse located in Johnny Cake Hollow, now known as Gifford's Valley outside of Northville, New York, while his family was visiting from their home in Pontiac, Michigan; during the Great Depression, he and his family moved to New York, and bought a farm outside Johnstown, New York; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Johnstown High School in 1936, Gilbert Wendt worked for Karg Brothers Tannery for the next five years earning about $25 per week; he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in June of 1941, and completed basic training at Mitchel Field on Long Island, followed by training at the New England Aircraft School at Lockheed Corporation in Boston, Massachusetts; and

WHEREAS, Gilbert Wendt proudly served his country in Italy, France and Germany during World War II, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant in the Tow Target Squadron, where he served as the tech inspector; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service in 1947, Gilbert Wendt met and married his late wife, the former Concetta Renda, and together, they raised three children, Mark, Nancy, and Patricia in Gloversville, New York; today, he is the loving grandfather of four grandchildren, and the great-grandfather of six great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, For over three decades, Gilbert Wendt worked for various tanneries until his retirement in 1980, however, he continued to work for the Leader Herald supervising newspaper carriers for the next eight years; and

WHEREAS, Gilbert Wendt has truly led a wonderful life, full of hard work, fun and family; he loves to travel, restored a 1965 Ford Mustang, and has attended opening day at the Saratoga Race Course since the 1930s; 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, Gilbert Wendt 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 Gilbert Wendt 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 Gilbert Wendt.