LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Harold Tate upon the occasion of
celebrating his 100th Birthday on May 16, 2015

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with his zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Harold Tate was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on May 16,
1915; he moved with his family to New York City, and has been a resident
of Jamaica, Queens, for over 80 years; and
WHEREAS, In December of 1943, Harold Tate enlisted as a member of the
United States Army to proudly serve his country during World War II; he
was stationed in the Southern Philippines and Japan, where he attained
the esteemed rank of Sergeant; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his brave service, Harold Tate earned
numerous military honors including the Philippines Liberation Ribbon,
World War II Victory Medal, American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific
Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal; and
WHEREAS, Following his return to civilian life, Harold Tate served
with the New York City Police Department (NYPD), becoming the first
African American Sergeant in Harlem with the 32nd Precinct; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his service with the NYPD, this remarkable
centenarian served as a United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, and often
spent time at his boat docked in Brooklyn and Long Island; and
WHEREAS, A local entrepreneur, Harold Tate was also the owner of
Tate's Liquor Store in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Harold Tate married his wife of 60 years, Florine in 1955,
and together they were the loving parents of one son, Michael, the
loving grandparents of one grandson, Ian, and the devoted great-grand-
parents of three great-grandchildren; in addition, he has numerous niec-
es and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and great-grandnieces and
great-grandnephews; and
WHEREAS, An avid fisherman and dedicated family man, Harold Tate
enjoyed spending summers at his cabin with his son and nephew in Roscoe,
New York, as well as fishing and rafting on Lake Irriwanda; he also
enjoyed fishing on Sheepshead Bay for porgies and at Montauk Point for
blue fish; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; 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 Harold Tate upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Harold Tate.