Bill Text: NY J02131 | 2019-2020 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Commending Ellen E. McKnight posthumously upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2019-06-20 - ADOPTED [J02131 Detail]

Download: New_York-2019-J02131-Introduced.html

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Senate Resolution No. 2131

BY: Senator THOMAS

        COMMENDING Ellen E. McKnight posthumously upon the
        occasion  of her designation for special recognition
        by Rensselaer County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran
        Ceremony on December 9, 2019

  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; 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  Ellen  E.  McKnight  posthumously  upon  the  occasion  of  her
designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor  a
Deceased Veteran Ceremony on December 9, 2019; and

  WHEREAS,  Born  on  June  6,  1919, in Castleton-on-Hudson, Ellen E.
McKnight was the daughter of Herman  F.  Gietz  and  Katherine  Landmann
Gietz;  she  was a graduate of Castleton High School, Class of 1937, and
St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing in New York City; and

  WHEREAS, Ellen E. McKnight enlisted in the United States Army Nurses
Corps on October 1, 1941, and proudly served her  country  during  World
War II, attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant; and

  WHEREAS,  For  her  meritorious  service,  Ellen E. McKnight was the
recipient of  the  Victory  Medal,  the  American  Campaign  Medal,  the
National Defense Ribbon and the Women's Army Corps Service Ribbon; and

  WHEREAS,  Ellen  E.  McKnight spent her illustrious career as an RN,
retiring as the school nurse at Maple Hill High School after many  years
of dedicated service; and

  WHEREAS,  Devoted  to her fellow veterans, Ellen E. McKnight was the
first female member of the Castleton VFW Post No. 7337; she was  also  a
communicant  of  Trinity Lutheran Church and a member of Castleton Study
Club and Castleton Seniors; and

  WHEREAS, Ellen E. McKnight died on October 27, 2017, at the  age  of
98; she is buried at Arlington National Cemetery; and

  WHEREAS,  Predeceased  by  her  first  husband,  Lieutenant Nevin W.
Shaak; her second husband,  Lieutenant  Colonel  James  D.  McKnight;  a
brother,  Harold (Rosalie); and a sister, Winifred, Ellen E. McKnight is
survived by her five sons,  David  (Darlene),  Douglas  (Sandra),  Colin
(David),   Stuart   (Dianne)   and   Donald   (Patricia);   her  beloved
grandchildren,  Erin  (Christopher),  Adam,  Emily   (Stephen),   Scott,
Matthew,  Nicholas, Ryan, Trevor, John (Lindsey) and Kristen (Kirk); her

cherished great-grandchildren, Landon, Ella and Finley; and two  nieces,
Kathy and Jan; 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 her patriotism both at  home  and  abroad,
Ellen  E.  McKnight  demonstrated  her  love  for her country and merits
forevermore, the highest respect of her 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  Ellen  E.  McKnight  posthumously  upon  the  occasion  of  her
designation  for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a
Deceased Veteran Ceremony; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to the family of Ellen E. McKnight.