[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 103 (Friday, July 12, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS, PALOS PARK MEMORIAL POST 4861

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 11, 1996

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the VFW Palos Park 
Memorial Post 4861 on the occasion of their Remembrance Day. I was able 
to attend this moving ceremony which was filled with tributes of those 
who have bravely fought the overseas battles of this country and 
pledged themselves to defend human rights in time of peace and war. It 
was an honor for me to speak in front of these great crusaders.
  The members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars embody the highest ideals 
held to man, courage, constancy, and service. The Cross of Malta, the 
official emblem of the VFW, was selected as their emblem because it was 
the emblem of men who fought to free the oppressed. Additionally, these 
men have made a committment to administer to the sick and needy. For 
the men of the VFW, the Cross of Malta continues to symbolize the 
pledge of the original crusaders who pledged to defend human rights in 
time of peace and war. The VFW continues to honor the pledge of the 
original crusaders in all that they accomplish. Today, the VFW fulfills 
their vows of honor by giving aid to worthy comrades, offering a 
helping hand to widows and orphans and defends the right to life, 
liberty, and happiness. The admirable qualities that the VFW members 
embody are truly worthy of recognition.
  I would like to pay special tribute to the officers for 1995-96, 
Gerald E. Brown, post commander; Jack Westberg, past commander; Robert 
E. Elli, Sr. vice commander; Leon H. Tursky Jr. vice commander; Ted 
Karamanski, adjutant; Art Mitchell, quartermaster; Ernest Graul, 
chaplain; Peter Pragit, officer of the day; John A. Barun, service 
officer; and the trustees, Michael J. McMahon, Arthur Koren, and Walter 
Fieroh. Additionally I would like to pay tribute to the speakers of 
this event, Norm Busch, Congressman Harris Fawell, Patrick O'Malley, 
Jack O'Connor, and the Honorable Donald H. Jeanes, the Mayor of the 
Village of Palos Park.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States, Palos Park Memorial Post 4861 on their Remembrance Day ceremony 
and wish them continued success in all their endeavors.

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