[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 22 (Thursday, March 3, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  75TH DIAMOND JUBILEE BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR THE LEGIONNAIRES, GEORGE E. 
            HILGARD AMERICAN LEGION POST 58, BELLEVILLE, IL

                                 ______


                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 1994

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask that my colleagues 
join me in recognizing the 75th diamond jubilee birthday party for the 
Legionnaires of the George E. Hilgard American Legion Post 58 in 
Belleville, IL. It gives me great pleasure to wish this post and the 
more than 15,500 other American Legion posts across the Nation a very 
happy 75th birthday.
  After 75 years of service, the American Legion, with its 3.1 million 
members, continues its long tradition of working to ensure an adequate 
defense establishment capable of protecting the security of the United 
States. With the evolution of space technology and scientific 
advancement of both conventional and nuclear weapons, the Legion 
continues to support a suitable arsenal and a properly trained fighting 
force as prime deterrents to aggression.
  In addition to the significant national defense measures, the 
American Legion has also long played a very important and visible role 
in the education and growth of millions of young men and women 
throughout the past 75 years. The American Legion's interest in young 
people historically goes back to the Legion's founding at the end of 
World War I. Today the American Legion sponsors and actively 
participates in events such as the American Legion National High School 
Oratorical Contest, the American Legion Baseball Program, the American 
Legion Child Welfare Foundation, and the American Legion Boys State 
Program, which helps young people gain a better understanding of the 
U.S. Constitution and the prerequisites of good citizenship and civic 
responsibilities.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and every Member of this body join me to 
express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the many wonderful 
contributions the American Legion has made throughout our many 
neighborhoods and communities in the last three-quarters of a century. 
I certainly look forward to celebrating many more future milestones 
with the dedicated Legionnaires of Belleville, IL.

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