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HCR 290

House concurrent resolution congratulating George Luke Taggart of Castleton on his 100th birthday

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Carolyn Branagan and 7 co-sponsors

Publicly congratulates George Luke Taggart of Castleton on his 100th birthday and highlights his military service, community contributions, and lifetime of service to Vermont.

Adopted pursuant to Joint Rule 16b
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Bill Summary · HCR 290

Overview

  • Bill: H.C.R. 290 (House Concurrent Resolution)
  • Session/Jurisdiction: Vermont, 2025-2026
  • Purpose: Congratulate George Luke Taggart of Castleton on his 100th birthday
  • Status: On Consent Calendar (as of 2026-05-07)
  • Principal sponsors: Rep. William Canfield; Rep. Carolyn Branagan; Rep. Zachary Harvey; Rep. James Masland; Rep. Patricia McCoy; Sen. Brian Collamore; Sen. David Weeks; Sen. Terry Williams
  • Co-sponsors: Jim Masland, Zak Harvey, Pattie McCoy, Carolyn Branagan, Terry Williams, Bill Canfield, Brian Collamore, Dave Weeks

Main purpose and intent

  • The resolution recognizes and commemorates the life and service of George Luke “Buddy” Taggart, celebrating his 100th birthday.
  • It highlights Taggart’s birthplace/date (July 4, 1926) and his century-long life in Castleton, with a focus on his military service and community contributions.

Key provisions and changes

  • Formal congratulation: The General Assembly expresses its congratulations to Buddy Taggart on reaching age 100.
  • Summary of life and service:
    • Early life: Grew up on Birdseye Mountain with parents Sylvia and George H. Taggart; family engaged in farming and logging; attended one-room schoolhouses.
    • Military service: Enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1944 at age 17; served as a sergeant in the 1st Cavalry Division in the Philippines; wounded in action; earned a Purple Heart and other citations; participated in the liberation of the Santo Tomas Internment Camp; served with American occupation forces in Japan prior to discharge in 1946.
    • Civilian life and work: Co-founded Taggart Brothers Construction in 1958 with his brother Franklin; supervised building projects including additions to Castleton Elementary School, Green Block elderly housing in Fair Haven, a chapel at the Castleton campus of Vermont State University, and other Vermont and New York projects.
    • Community involvement: Active in Castleton Federated Church and various fraternal organizations; long-standing involvement with American Legion Post 50 in Castleton.
    • Family: Parents of two, Marcia and Timothy; grandfather to six; great-grandfather to 12 and great-great-grandfather to five.
    • Personal note: The resolution mentions a notable event—an invitation from President Donald J. Trump to attend the 2026 State of the Union, highlighting Taggart’s recognition as a veteran in Washington, D.C.
  • Administrative directive: Directs the Secretary of State to transmit a copy of the resolution to Buddy Taggart.

Who/what is affected

  • Primary beneficiary: George Luke Taggart and his family, acknowledging his centenarian milestone.
  • Broader impact: Public recognition by Vermont’s General Assembly, reflecting appreciation for Taggart’s military service, civic involvement, and local contributions to Vermont infrastructure and community life.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Filing and sponsorship: Introduced by a bipartisan group of Representatives and Senators; additional co-sponsors listed.
  • Consideration: Currently on Consent Calendar, indicating generally non-controversial, ceremonial approval.
  • Effective action: Passage would result in an official congratulatory resolution from Vermont’s General Assembly.

Summary

H.C.R. 290 is a ceremonial measure that publicly congratulates George Luke Taggart of Castleton on his 100th birthday. It recounts his early life in Vermont, his World War II service (including a Purple Heart), his role in founding Taggart Brothers Construction, and his ongoing community involvement. The resolution expresses appreciation for his contributions to the state and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Taggart. The bill is largely symbolic and carries no fiscal impact or regulatory changes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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