[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      GLENS FALLS MARINE CORPS LEAGUE CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, September 28, 1996

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak about two of the 
organizations in this country that I hold nearest and dearest to my 
heart: The United States Marine Corps, and Memorial Detachment Number 2 
of the Marine Corps League, in Glens Falls, NY.
  Anyone here who knows me at all, knows me as a Marine, probably 
because I've always been ready for a dog-fight over something I believe 
in. That's because, as a young Marine, I learned two things: accomplish 
your mission, and always take care of your buddies.
  Well, Mr. Speaker, those basic principles have been carried by 
Marines everywhere, and the Marine Corps League, and Memorial 
Detachment No. 2 in Glens Falls is no different. They are veterans of 
World War Two, the Korean War, Vietnam and the Gulf war who have taken 
up arms in defense of this country. They are Marines who wore the 
uniform in times of so-called peace and placed themselves in harms way 
to keep that truce during the cold war and beyond.
  And on top of that, for 50 years now, the Glens Falls detachment has 
been looking out not only for their fellow Marines in Glens Falls and 
the greater Adirondack area of New York, but for their communities and 
neighbors as well. Programs like Toys for Tots, which provide 
disadvantaged children with toys and gifts they might not otherwise 
receive during the Christmas season are a trademark of the Marine Corps 
League. And, the countless Christmas baskets they deliver to needy 
families over all their years serve as a continued reminder of the 
importance of community service and looking out for your buddies.
  Mr. Speaker, the Glens Falls detachment has been celebrating their 50 
year anniversary in the community throughout the year. And what better 
time for the ceremonies to culminate than on November 9 of this year, 1 
day before the 221st birthday of the Marine Corps in this country.
  On that note, I wanted to take the time to recognize all those fellow 
Marines who chartered Memorial Dispatch Number 2 back in 1946. Ten 
people were on the charter application: Joseph Fiore, Dante Orsini, 
Frank Orsini, Len Johnson, Raymond Charlebois, Jim Butterfield, Henry 
Knickerbocker, Guy D'Angelico, Dominick Fallacaro and Donald Weeks. 
Also on board in 1946 were: Francis Benware, Candelores Catalgamo, Mrs. 
Jane Lewis Crannell, Murray Crannell, George Deeb, Robert DeLoria, 
Joseph DeSare, Tullio DelSignore, Guy Fiore, Robert W. Gilligan, Arlus 
Fontaine, Gardner Goodro Jr., Edward Guy, Walt Hammer, Abraham Hoffis, 
Pete LaBarge, Dan Lawler, James Lawler, Herman Marino, Joseph McGuirk, 
Norman Miles, Fred Moody, John Murray, William Noonan, Dennis O'Leary, 
John Omiencinski, Adelon Potvi, William Ringrow, Kenneth Scribner, 
Robert Wilber, Joseph Gavita, Francis Smith, George Smith, Eugene 
Henneman, Leonard Rollo, Paul Abrey, George Shomaker, Robert Barrett, 
Ray Bortholomew, Earl Balcolm, George Austin and Irving Sexton.
  Mr. Speaker, these are the members who set the course for Glens Falls 
Detachment on the heels of World War Two. Several of them were called 
back for the Korean War as well. And these are the Marines who I joined 
in my hometown of Glens Falls after my service in the Marine Corps. I 
owe my personal gratitude to them for starting this invaluable 
organization.
  At this time, Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all Members join me in 
paying tribute to them and all members, past and present, who have 
accomplished their mission and then some over the last 50 years.

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