MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2023 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Frazier, Barnett, Butler (38th), Caughman, Hopson, Horhn, Jackson, McCaughn, Seymour
A RESOLUTION HONORING THE LEGACY OF MARINE GUNNERY SERGEANT ZACHARY TAYLOR OF JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, A MONTFORD POINT MARINE, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY.
WHEREAS, during Black History Month, we recognize Mississippians who have made great strides in changing the path in America. Veteran Gunnery Sergeant Zachary Taylor, 100 years of age on February 12, 2023, became a Marine during a time when black and white Marines were still segregated; and
WHEREAS, calling on his duty to serve his country, Taylor was one of many black Marines who served during World War II as Montford Point Marines, after President Franklin Roosevelt issued an Executive Order establishing the Fair Employment Practices Commission in June 1941. Because the Marine Corps was the last military branch to be integrated, black service members trained at Montford Point in Jacksonville, North Carolina, from August 1942 until the camp was decommissioned in September 1949. The largest number of black Marines to serve was at the seizure of Okinawa, with 2,000 seeing action. During World War II, more than 19,000 black Marines served in the Marine Corps; and
WHEREAS, after graduating Holy Ghost Catholic School, Taylor went on to graduate from Eastern Illinois University. He then joined the Air Force, becoming a Pharmacist. The father of six then worked at the Jackson V.A. as a Pharmacist until retirement. Now the veteran spends his days resting, enjoying life with his children, and keeping his mind sharp. "I've had 99 years of partying all over the world," said the military veteran of the Greatest Generation. Longevity runs in the Taylor family. His mother passed away at 99; and
WHEREAS, the National Montford Point Marine Association was established in 1975 to honor African Americans who served in the Marine Corps; and
WHEREAS, Naval Air Station Meridian hosted the Montford Point Association for a ceremony to honor Sergeant Taylor with the Congressional Gold Medal. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant; and
WHEREAS, Gunnery Sergeant Taylor is a true American hero. Like all the other Montford Point Marines, he was a trailblazer who dared to be a Marine during a time when African Americans were excluded from the Marines. The story of the Montford Point Marines is a story of resilience and perseverance. Those Marines should not be forgotten, and everyone should honor their sacrifice, and for this a grateful state thanks him for a life of selfless service and a legacy of a strong and free America:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby honor the legacy of Marine Gunnery Sergeant Zachary Taylor of Jackson, Mississippi, a Montford Point Marine, extend the best wishes of the Senate on his 100th Birthday, and extend to Mr. Taylor and his family the thanks of a grateful state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Sergeant Taylor, forwarded to the National Montford Point Marine Association, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.