2005 Honor A Veteran Ceremonies

2006 Honor A Veteran Ceremonies

 2007 Honor A Veteran Ceremonies

2008 Honor A Veteran Ceremonies

May 2008 Honor A Veteran
 Ceremony Was In Honor Of
Edward Joseph Patrick, Jr.

      Edward Joseph Patrick, Jr. was born on May 14^th, 1944 in the City of Troy to parents Edward J. and Mary C. Doherty Patrick. Ed was raised in Lansingburgh along with his seven brothers; Mike, George, David, Joe, Andy, Tim, Marty, and three sisters; Allyce, Mary Kay, and Ann.

       Ed attended elementary school at St. Augustine’s in Lansingburgh and would also attend Lansingburgh High School.

       On June 30^th, 1961 Ed enlisted in the United States Navy at the recruiting center located in downtown Troy. During his naval career Ed, in addition to his two tours in Vietnam, was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, Italy, and Hawaii.  He also worked as a recruiter in both Massachusetts and Vermont.

           On June 30^th, 1982 Chief Boatswains Mate Patrick separated from the United States Navy in Norfolk, Virginia, after twenty-one years of service.

       When you add up the combined service of Ed, his brother’s, and his son Edward J., you come up with over eighty years of naval service.

       For Ed’s service to his country he was awarded two Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Bronze Star with V for Valor, a Combat Action Ribbon, RVN Armed Forces Merit Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Small Craft Insignia, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, RVN Meritorious Unit Citation, Navy Expedition Medal, and a Sea Service Medal.

       On August 8^th, 1968 Ed married Alice M. Pollay. Alice and Ed would raise three children, two daughters; Patricia and Pamela, and a son Edward J. Patrick III. They also have a grandchild, Martin Patrick Benoit.

       Although perhaps not technically considered employment, one would be hard pressed to find anybody who worked any harder than Ed did in his position as president of the Veterans of Lansingburgh, a position he held for some twenty-four years.

       It was under Ed’s leadership that the Lansingburgh Vet’s became known not only as tireless supporter’s and advocates for “all things veteran” but indeed “all things community” as well, especially those dealing with our youth. 

       One of my favorite accomplishments attributed to Ed and the Veterans of Lansingburgh is their bringing back the Memorial Day Parade, an event which those of us who grew up in “the Burgh” have a lot of fond memories of before it’s being discontinued.

       I had the pleasure of working with Ed on numerous occasions, most notably when “The Club” was looking to obtain what is now their beautiful First Avenue River Front location, which at that time was Rensselaer Counties’ North Troy Highway Garage.  Ed was a tough guy to say no to and I can’t thing of many instances when he didn’t accomplish his mission.

       In addition to the Vets, Ed was also a member of the All Troy Club, the Elks, the Eagles Club, the American Legion and VFW.

       A big sports fan, Ed somehow found time to also enjoy his hobby of coin collecting. 

       Ed passed away on the 30^th day of April in 2007. A larger than life figure who certainly left his mark on his community, it is my honor to be here this morning as we honor a “veterans veteran” Chief Boatswains Mate Edward J. Patrick, Jr.

 Neil J. Kelleher - May 2008