[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 2, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E906]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY CELEBRATES DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 2, 1995
  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I have often stood before you commending 
the virtues and contributions of America's veterans. However, today I 
would like to bring to your attention another, equally important group 
which performs many vital services for America's veterans, our 
communities, and our Nation at large.
  This year, the American Legion Auxiliary celebrates its Diamond 
Jubilee. Since 1920, the Auxiliary has grown from a membership of 
11,000 women to its current count of approximately 973,000 dedicated 
volunteers. With a motto of Service, not Self, the American Legion 
Auxiliary members have for 75 years exemplified the American ideals of 
philanthropy and patriotism through their many worthwhile endeavors. 
From lobbying Congress in grass roots campaigns for such issues as 
proper compensation for America's veterans and the G.I. Bill of Rights, 
to fund-raising projects which have generated millions of dollars for 
organizations including the American Cancer Society and the Muscular 
Dystrophy Association, the American Legion Auxiliary serves not only 
veterans, but its entire national community.
  The American Legion Auxiliary looks to the past, the present, and the 
future as well. Auxiliary members were participants in the untiring 
efforts on behalf of disabled veterans, which eventually resulted in 
the establishment of Veterans Administration, as well as a system of 
modern Veterans Administration Medical Centers. As a result of these 
actions, the contributions
 and needs of disabled veterans are assured of their proper recognition 
and attention. In addition, the Auxiliary helps to prepare young women 
for lives of civil service through the Girls' State programs. In these 
programs, high school junior are selected, on the basis of their 
interest in government and their leadership potential, to attend a 
session during which they create and operate a government of their own. 
Each year, two citizens for each State session are chosen to 
participate in the Girls' Nation program in Washington, DC, functioning 
as our Federal Government would. Though these programs, the young women 
are encouraged to pursue their governmental interests, as well as to 
further develop confidence and speaking skills which will be valuable 
them in all their future endeavors.

  Mr. Speaker, as a veteran myself, I understand what it means to know 
that organizations such as the American Legion Auxiliary exist to 
acknowledge and support the efforts of those who fight for our country. 
I know that the millions of veterans who have already benefited from 
the labors of the Auxiliary members, as well as those who will do so in 
the years to come would agree with me when I say that the American 
Legion Auxiliary has become an example of selflessness and patriotism 
which all Americans may emulate.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that all Members join me in expressing our 
sincerest gratitude and congratulations to the American Legion 
Auxiliary as it celebrates 75 years of valuable service to our 
veterans, our communities, and our Nation.


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