LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating William Bass upon the occasion of
his 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, William Bass, a World War II veteran and 64-year resident of
Nassau County, was born on September 10, 1912; he will turn 100 on
September 10, 2012 and his family plans a large, joyous celebration for
him on September 8, 2012; and
WHEREAS, William Bass proudly served in World War II from 1942-1946;
he was a three-stripe sergeant and was in charge of 300 troops responsi-
ble for vital equipment; he trained in six states, beginning in Lee,
Virginia; he was in the 2nd platoon, Company G, 8th QM (Quartermaster)
and recalls that his commanding officer was Captain Oscar G. Piland; and
WHEREAS, William Bass served in the Phillipines and Papua, New Guinea
and, near the end of the war, was sent to Japan days after it surren-
dered; proud to be an American, he remembers riding through the streets
seeing thousands of Japanese standing with their heads bowed in defeat;
and
WHEREAS, William Bass also recalls that when he returned home to the
United States and to New York City by train after being away for four
years, he could not find a taxi to take him to Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Due to the gasoline shortage at that time, taxi after taxi
refused to take a man still in uniform with his knapsack strapped to his
back to his home after four long years of not seeing his family; finally
one taxi driver had compassion and agreed to drive him to his home in
Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, When William Bass arrived there, he remembers his uncle
running to greet him as he got out of the cab, his uncle calling for
Molly, William Bass's mother, crying "Molly, Molly, Come see! Willy is
home! Willy is home!"; and
WHEREAS, The taxi driver had tears in his eyes, so glad he had agreed
to drive William Bass home to Brooklyn that day; and
WHEREAS, William Bass and his recently deceased wife were married for
63 years; though he misses her dearly, he remains independent and lives
in his home in Woodmere, New York, takes care of his Springer Spaniels,
and has a passion for watching his old World War II movies which bring
back the fond memories he has of defending his country; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with his zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man, who has experienced the incredible
joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the
stamina and courage to savor a full life, has inspired the lives of his
many friends and family; and
WHEREAS, This beloved man has enriched the lives of those around him
through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed
and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome
achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves
contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate William Bass upon the occasion of his 100th Birthday; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to William Bass.