LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Erling "Bumpy" J. Taylor upon the occa-
sion of his designation as recipient of the 2010 Legionnaire of the Year
Award on June 5, 2010

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 peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as to those who
have served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Erling "Bumpy" J. Taylor upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent of the 2010 Legionnaire of the Year Award; he was recognized for
this auspicious achievement at the Westchester County American Legion
Convention held at Ossining Post on Saturday, June 5, 2010; and
WHEREAS, A member of the North Castle American Legion Post 1097,
Armonk, New York, for 64 years, Bumpy Taylor is a life member of the
American Legion; and
WHEREAS, Bumpy Taylor was elected and served as Post Commander three
terms at different intervals; he was instrumental in: organizing a
fundraiser to finance the construction of the Post's present Post facil-
ity in the 1950s, organizing a Post band which had a long run, now
defunct; and overseeing the renovation of the Post facility, the addi-
tion to a bar in the early 1970s; and
WHEREAS, Bumpy Taylor also Chaired the Post's scholarship committee,
the Boys State committee, and the Graves committee and the Bell Jar
committee both for many years; furthermore, he served as Post treasurer
as well as a county delegate; and
WHEREAS, Presently, Bumpy Taylor serves as Co-treasurer and as a
member of the Executive Board at the Post; he attends all of the Post
meetings and functions; and
WHEREAS, Bumpy Taylor served during World War II in an Army Battalion
from 1941 to 1945; he was part of a Battalion that provided ground
support for the Air Force during the Battle of Coral Sea; this pivotal
battle took place over several days, from May 4-8, 1942; the heavy loss-
es inflicted on the Japanese led to their defeat at the Battle of
Midway; and
WHEREAS, Bumpy Taylor owned and operated several gas stations before
retiring in 1975; he recalls towing cars out of the reservoir, horses
out of quicksand, an airplane that crashed on the runway and a disabled
school bus; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to the community he loves so much, Bumpy Taylor was
instrumental in organizing the first volunteer fire department in the
1930s; he has been a member of the volunteer fire department over a span
of 64 years, serving as Fire Chief from 1959 to 1961; he was also a
member of the Auxiliary Police for 33 years, and served as Captain from
1962 to 1983; in this capacity, among other emergency calls, he
responded to two airplane crashes; and
WHEREAS, Bumpy Taylor is a member and past President of the Lions
Club, and was the recipient of the Lion's Club prestigious "Pat Bresha
Award," given to noteworthy community citizens; he also served on the
Board of Directors for the local library for a number of years, was a
Charter Trustee of the Historical Society, and was the Grand Marshal for
the 60th Anniversary parade of the Volunteer Fire Department; 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 their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their 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
honor Erling "Bumpy" J. Taylor upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the 2010 Legionnaire of the Year Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Erling "Bumpy" J. Taylor, 5 Maryland Avenue, Armonk, New York
10504.