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.
