Schenectady County hosted its first Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony since 2020 on Saturday, May 21, 2022. During the event members of the County Legislature presented the family of PFC Morton R. Miller with a proclamation to recognize his service to our country and to the community as a member of various veterans’ organizations. The presentation was part of the County’s Honor-A-Veteran program, which also included the presentation of a commemorative plaque and certificate of honor.
The Honor-A-Veteran program is a collaboration between Schenectady County’s Veterans Affairs department and the County’s Honor-A-Veteran Committee, which falls under the Schenectady County Council of Veterans Organizations, to honor veterans who were either born in or currently reside in Schenectady County. Members of the committee are from various veteran organizations throughout the County.
“Schenectady County’s Honor-a-Veteran program gives us the opportunity to thank veterans for their service to our country,” said Schenectady County Legislator Michelle Ostrelich. “Mort Miller’s legacy of service in the military and beyond continues to impact the lives of area veterans to this day. We were humbled to be able to present a proclamation to his family to honor his contributions to our country and community.”
PFC Morton (Mort) R. Miller
Morton R. Miller was born in the Bronx, NY on February 20, 1922. He grew up there and attended New York City schools and received his GED from the Schenectady City School System.
Mort entered the U.S. Army on October 24, 1942, and was discharged, as a PFC, on December 10, 1945. While in the service he received the Purple Heart Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, ,the World War II Victory Medal, the Philippines Liberation Ribbon, and the Distinguished Unit Badge.
Mort had a 27-year career with the United States Postal Service, retiring as Superintendent of Delivery and Collection in Schenectady. Before his military service he was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Mort was a Past Commander and Past Adjutant of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2303. He was also the Past Commander of the Schenectady-Schoharie Veterans Council. Mort was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 88, having held every office within the Chapter. He was also a member of VFW Posts 357 and 1895. He also belonged to the Boy Scouts of America from 1938 until his death and was Commissioner of the Twin Rivers Council and recipient of the Silver Beaver Award.
He helped establish the Van Transportation Service for Schenectady County veterans to the VAMC in Albany and served as a volunteer driver for many years.
Additional information about Schenectady County’s Honor-a-Veteran Program is available at www.schenectadycounty.com/veterans.