Bill Text: NY J01631 | 2019-2020 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Commending Philip R. Bower posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2019-05-30 - ADOPTED [J01631 Detail]

Download: New_York-2019-J01631-Introduced.html

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Senate Resolution No. 1631

BY: Senator JORDAN

        COMMENDING  Philip  R. Bower 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 honor Philip R.
Bower 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

  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,  Philip  R.  Bower was born on May 9, 1925, to Leo and Vera
(Baldwin) Bower in Hudson, New  York,  and  attended  the  local  school
district; and

  WHEREAS,  Philip  R. Bower entered the United States Army on May 16,
1944; he completed basic training at Fort  Dix,  New  Jersey,  where  he
qualified  on  the M1 Garand rifle and then received additional training
as a carpenter; and

  WHEREAS, On October 31, 1944, Philip R. Bower was  assigned  to  the
infantry  in  the  Panama Canal; the Panama Canal was invaluable for the
defense and commerce between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans; and

  WHEREAS, Recognizing its importance,  both  Japan  and  Germany  had
plans  to  attack  the  canal;  submarines  did venture near it, but the
Panama Canal was never in imminent danger; as a part of his  assignment,
Philip  R.    Bower  attended  ordinance school as an armorer artificer,
attaining the rank of Technical Sergeant (T-5);  and  WHEREAS,  T/Sgt.
Philip  R.  Bower was responsible for maintenance and care of weapons in
his unit protecting this valuable asset which proved to be strategically
important to the Allied powers' success  during  World  War  II;  T/Sgt.
Philip  R. Bower returned to the United States on February 14, 1946, and
was honorably discharged on February 26, 1946, at Fort Dix, New  Jersey;
and

  WHEREAS,  For  his  service,  T/Sgt. Philip R. Bower was awarded the
American Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal; and

  WHEREAS, T/Sgt. Philip R. Bower met and  married  Thelma  Snyder  on
September  24,  1948,  in Livingston, New York, and together they raised
four children; and

  WHEREAS, He was employed by  Atlas  Cement  Company  of  Hudson  and
worked  as  an electrician and carpenter while also working as a plumber
for Jim Ryan for over 20 years; he was a  member  of  Hudson  Washington
Hose  Fire  Company,  American  Legion Post No. 184, the Hudson Fish and
Game Club and the Hudson Boat Club; and

  WHEREAS,  Philip  R.  Bower died on November 14, 1984, at the age of
59, and is buried in Cedar Park Cemetery in Hudson,  New  York;  he  was
survived  by  his  wife,  Thelma; four children, Philip (Jr.), Lawrence,
Vera Ellen and Leo; and 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and

  WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at  home  and  abroad,
Philip  R.  Bower  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 Philip  R.  Bower  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 Philip R. Bower.