Senate Resolution No. 1212
BY: Senator HINCHEY
COMMENDING Henry Wilton Hassan, Jr. 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 Henry
Wilton Hassan, Jr. 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 celebrated on Monday,
June 30, 2025; 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, Henry Wilton Hassan, Jr., a proud veteran of the United
States Navy and a beloved member of the Columbia County and Pittsfield
communities, has been posthumously awarded the New York State Senate
Liberty Medal for his meritorious service and lifelong commitment to the
ideals of duty, honor, and country; and
WHEREAS, Henry Wilton Hassan, Jr. was born on January 29, 1931, in
Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to Henry W. Hassan, Sr. and Sarah (French)
Hassan, and was raised in Columbia County, New York, where he attended
New Lebanon Central School; and
WHEREAS, A proud resident of East Chatham, New York, Henry Wilton
Hassan, Jr. enlisted in the United States Navy on December 26, 1950, in
Albany, New York, beginning a career of honorable service to his country
during a time of great global tension; and
WHEREAS, After completing basic training at the Great Lakes Navy
Training Center, Seaman (E-3) Henry Hassan, Jr. was assigned to the USS
Monrovia (APA 31), a Crescent City-class attack transport, as an
Ordinary Seaman, where he contributed to the ship's operations and
maintenance as a vital part of the ship's labor force; and
WHEREAS, Following the outbreak of hostilities in Korea, the USS
Monrovia joined the Atlantic Fleet's Amphibious Forces in the spring of
1951 to train for operations off Greenland, and beginning in December
1951, deployed annually to the Mediterranean; and
WHEREAS, Seaman Henry Wilton Hassan, Jr. served with dedication and
distinction until his honorable discharge from the United States Navy on
October 14, 1954; in recognition of his service, he was awarded the
National Defense Service Medal and the Navy Occupation Service Medal;
and
WHEREAS, Upon returning to Columbia County, Henry met and married
the former Geraldine Jones on November 6, 1954, in Canaan, New York;
together, they raised their six beloved children: Sharron Ann, Roger,
Henry III, Jeffrey, Eric, and Rose Marie; and
WHEREAS, Henry Wilton Hassan, Jr. worked diligently throughout his
life, contributing to the local economy through his employment with Fawn
Ridge Feed Company in West Lebanon, New York, the Litchman Tannery, and
Berkshire Roofing in Pittsfield, Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS, Deeply involved in his community, Henry Wilton Hassan, Jr.
was a member of the Berkshire 5 Waters C B Radio Club and the Berkshire
Hills Side Banders, a communicant of St. Stephen's Church in Pittsfield,
and an avid ballroom dancer whose joy for music brought happiness to
those around him; and
WHEREAS, Known for his generosity, patriotism, and enduring spirit,
even after suffering a serious back injury, Henry always carried "a
twinkle in his eye," inspiring all who knew him, and instilling in his
four sons a shared pride in naval service; and
WHEREAS, Henry Wilton Hassan, Jr. passed away on April 13, 1979, at
the age of 48, leaving behind his cherished wife, six children, and four
grandchildren; he was laid to rest in Canaan, New York, in the community
he so loved and served; 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 risked their
lives for their beloved Nation; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Henry Wilton Hassan, Jr. 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 Henry Wilton Hassan, Jr. 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 Henry Wilton Hassan, Jr.
