[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 28 (Monday, February 13, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS THAT A 
  COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMP, HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
 JEWISH WAR VETERANS, SHOULD BE ISSUED, HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 26

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                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 13, 1995
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, along with the gentleman from Missouri [Mr. 
Talent], it is my honor to introduce legislation that expresses the 
sense of Congress that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued 
to honor the 100th anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans. I commend my 
colleague, the gentleman from Missouri [Mr. Talent] who as an original 
sponsor of this important measure, has reaffirmed his continued support 
for our Nation's brave service men and women.
  As many of my colleagues are aware, the Jewish War Veterans [JWV] is 
an organization dedicated to upholding the principles and the freedoms 
that our Nation stands for. The JWV is the oldest duly chartered 
veterans service organization, and its members have proudly served the 
American people for the past 99 years. Whether on the battlefield or on 
American soil, Jewish-Americans have answered the call to service. In 
fact, during World War II alone, more than 52,000 awards for 
outstanding service in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Medal of 
Honor, the Air Medal, the Silver Star, and the Purple Heart, were 
issued to Jewish veterans.
  I believe it is appropriate to honor our Nation's dedicated Jewish 
service men and women, with the celebration of their 100-year 
anniversary on March 15, 1996, I can think of no more fitting a manner 
in which to commemorate the JWV's many years of patriotism and service.
  Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to join in sponsoring this 
important legislation, House Concurrent Resolution 26. If postage 
stamps can be issued honoring gunfighters from the Old West, like Bat 
Masterson and Wyatt Earp, surely the postal officials can find reason 
enough to issue a stamp that pays tribute to Jewish war veterans, who 
have given so much for all of us in times of war and peace.
                            H. Con. Res. 26

       Whereas the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of 
     America, an organization of patriotic Americans dedicated to 
     highlighting the role of Jews in the United States Armed 
     Forces, will celebrate 100 years of patriotic service to the 
     Nation on March 15, 1996;
       Whereas thousands of Jews have proudly served the Nation in 
     times of war;
       Whereas thousands of Jews have died in combat while serving 
     in the United States Armed Forces;
       Whereas, in World War II alone, Jews received more than 
     52,000 awards for outstanding service in the United States 
     Armed Forces, including the Medal of Honor, the Air Medal, 
     the Silver Star, and the Purple Heart;
       Whereas, in World War II alone, over 11,000 Jews died in 
     combat while serving in the United States Armed Forces;
       Whereas members of the Jewish War Veterans of the United 
     States of America have volunteered over 10,000,000 hours at 
     veterans' hospitals; and
       Whereas honoring the sacrifices of Jewish veterans is an 
     important component of recognizing the strong and patriotic 
     role Jews have played in the United States Armed Forces: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that--
       (1) a postage stamp should be issued to honor the 100th 
     anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States 
     of America; and
       (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee of the United 
     States Postal Service should recommend to the Postmaster 
     General that such a postage stamp be issued.
     

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