On January 5, 2015, Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, along with several other elected officials, honored the late Joseph Persico for his service to his country. Presico, born in 1930 in Gloversville, New York was an author who began his service with the United States Navy in 1952. He was stationed with NATO forces in Naples, Italy and was awarded several medals including the National Defense Medal, European Occupation Medal, and the WWII American Battle Monument Commission Medal.

After serving in the Navy, Presico became a writer for Governor Nelson A. Rockerfeller. He wrote many historical and bibliographical books and was appointed to serve on the American Battle Monuments Commission by President George W. Bush which was responsible for creating the World War II Memorial on the Mall in Washington DC.

Albany County Veterans Bureau, as well as all those present including his family and friends, are honored to pay tribute to Joseph Persico, a man who cared deeply about his family and his service to his country.