LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Arnold Townsend upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition as a distinguished Veteran on June
10, 2014

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 those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Arnold Town-
send upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition as a
distinguished Veteran, to be celebrated on Tuesday, June 10, 2014, at
the Albany County Office Building, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, The dedication and sacrifices of our military personnel
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and is a defender of liberty for peoples throughout the
world; and
WHEREAS, Arnold Townsend honorably served in the United States Marine
Corps (USMC) from 1940 to 1946; he transferred to Marine Reserve in 1946
and joined the Marine Corps League in 1950; in 2005, he received his
discharge from the USMC, giving him 65 years as an active or reserve
Marine; and
WHEREAS, When Arnold Townsend joined the USMC in 1940, the total
strength of the Marine Corps was approximately 20,000; in late 1940, he
was assigned to the 1st Marine Brigade at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; their
mission at this time was to protect the Caribbean from the Germans who
were already at war with our allies in Europe; and
WHEREAS, In March of 1942, Arnold Townsend's regiment was deployed to
defend the Solomon Islands; in August of the same year, the Marines went
to Guadalcanal for the first of what would be 78 amphibious operations
in the Pacific Theater over the next 28 months; the Guadalcanal campaign
lasted approximately six months and the fighting there was fierce and
continuous; and
WHEREAS, After 27 months overseas, Lieutenant Arnold Townsend was sent
to Intel School at Camp Richie; three months later he went to Guam to
join the Marine Division working in intelligence for the invasion of Iwo
Jima; and
WHEREAS, Today, at the age of 94, Arnold Townsend serves as Judge
Advocate of the Capt. William Dale O'Brien Marine Corps League Detach-
ment; 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, This Legislative Body is very pleased to have this opportu-
nity to express its gratitude to the men and women of the United States
Armed Forces for their tremendous sacrifices made for our Nation and for
the benefit of all Americans; 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 Arnold Townsend upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition as a distinguished Veteran on June 10, 2014; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Arnold Townsend.