[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 94 (Friday, June 9, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMVETS DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA

                                 ______


                        HON. WILLIAM F. GOODLING

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 9, 1995
  Mr. GOODLING. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to congratulate the AMVETS 
Department of Pennsylvania on their 50th anniversary. The AMVETS 
charter in Pennsylvania was originally founded March 25, 1945, as a 
support group for returning World War II veterans. The National and 
State charters were later amended to include the veterans of the Korean 
and Vietnam wars, and also those enlisted in the National Guard.
  The AMVETS organization is united for the purpose of helping veterans 
help themselves, promoting world peace, and preserving the American way 
of life. To this end, AMVETS works to achieve their mission by their 
service and volunteerism to other veterans in need. AMVETS Department 
of Pennsylvania has 13,000 members in 70 posts across the Commonwealth.
  As a veteran, I understand the sacrifices many have made to preserve 
the freedom and democracy the rest of the world craves. President 
Lincoln described veterans' sacrifices best during the Gettysburg 
Address, ``the brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have 
consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world 
will little note what was said here, but it can never forget what they 
did here.'' The same corollary should be held for all veterans whose 
selfless acts have helped others in their respective communities.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, I would like to congratulate AMVETS 
Department of Pennsylvania on their 50th anniversary and wish them many 
more years of continued service to the Commonwealth.


                          ____________________