Rensselaer County held its monthly "Honor the Deceased Veteran" ceremony to recognize Kenneth M. Wilson, a World War II veteran who served in the African and European theaters and received multiple decorations, county and state officials said.

Kelly Hoffman, chair of the Rensselaer County Legislature, gave a detailed biography of Wilson, saying he was born Oct. 8, 1921, enlisted on Feb. 6, 1942, served as a heavy machine-gunner in campaigns including Naples, Rome and Southern France, was wounded in the African theater on Dec. 9, 1943, and earned the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, a Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster and a World War II Victory Medal. "Ken was a distinguished member of our community and a true American hero," Hoffman said, adding that he later worked for the post office, coached youth baseball and softball, and volunteered for more than 25 years.

Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin called Wilson's life "unbelievable," praising both his wartime service and long community involvement in East Greenbush. "When you read that bio, that's pretty amazing," McLaughlin said, noting Wilson's postwar work and volunteer coaching.

Representatives from members of Congress and the state legislature offered formal recognitions. Reid Kranas, representing Rep. Elise Stefanik's office, presented a U.S. flag that had been flown over the Capitol and a congressional proclamation to the Wilson family. New York State Senator Jake Ashby issued a state senate proclamation, calling Wilson's wartime endurance and leadership "remarkable." Assemblyman Scott Bendett read an assembly citation and thanked the family for allowing the county to honor Wilson.

Colonel Schultz, commander of the Watervliet Arsenal, praised Wilson's service and the example he set for civic life, noting the significance of his Purple Hearts and return to community service. Committee members presented a plaque to the family and attendees observed a closing prayer before retiring the colors and a flag-raising in Wilson's honor.

The ceremony included a wide range of veterans organizations and county officials and concluded with an announcement that the next monthly ceremony is set for Dec. 9 to honor Warren J. Winnie Sr. Family photographs and a flag-raising at the county flagpole followed the formal program.