By Guy Page

A Vermont World War II veteran will receive national recognition Tuesday night when he attends the State of the Union address as an honored guest of President Donald Trump.

WCAX reports that George Taggart, known to friends and family as “Buddy,” is scheduled to be among those acknowledged during the president’s speech in Washington.

Taggert is traveling with his family to Washington D.C., and plans to stay with family while at the nation’s capitol. However, the mid-Atlantic storm is making travel difficult and may affect travel plans.

Taggart, a resident of Castleton, is part of what remains of the rapidly shrinking generation of Americans who served during World War II. He will celebrate his 100th birthday on July 4.

According to a 2020 American Legion social media post, Taggert is a regular attendee at Post 50, is a member of the E-Board, plays golf twice a week, and regularly helps with projects around the post. Buddy joined The American Legion right out of the Army in 1945 and has spent his entire 80 years with Crippen Fellows Post 50.

He joined the Army at just 17 on Feb. 24, 1944, and was assigned to field artillery. After training at Fort Ord, Calif., he was shipped to Manila in the Philippines where he trained with his unit at what was termed as a “rest camp.” They received all new equipment and training in preparation to make the invasion on Japan. After the war ended he was part of the Occupation Forces in Japan.

Buddy was honorably discharged from the Army as an E-5 and received commendations and awards for First Cavalry Division, 271st Field Artillery Battalion, Liberation Ribbon 1-1 Bronze Star, Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and a Purple Heart.

Back home as a member of Post 50, he served as commander twice, 1952-1953 and again from 1971-1972, and has held virtually every other office in the post. He was the Department of Vermont Sgt-at-Arms 1959-1960.

The invitation marks another milestone in a life already marked by service and recognition. In 2023, Taggart received his high school diploma during a special ceremony organized by his local American Legion post, decades after his education was interrupted by military service, as reported by WCAX.

The State of the Union address traditionally includes invited guests whose stories highlight service, sacrifice, or achievement. Presidential recognition during the speech is considered one of the nation’s highest civilian honors.

Tuesday’s appearance will place Taggart in the national spotlight, representing Vermont and his generation of veterans who answered the call during one of the most consequential conflicts in modern history.

The address is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Eastern time.