[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY, AMVETS POST 22

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                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 4, 1997

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, patriotism is the noblest American virtue. I 
rise today to pay tribute to a group of individuals that exemplifies 
patriotism, the members of AMVETS Post 22. The AMVETS know service to 
their country doesn't end after their military career. They have been 
providing vital services to not only veterans but the community as a 
whole.
  On Saturday, January 25, AMVETS Post 22 in Essexville, MI will 
celebrate their 50th anniversary. But more than celebrating their 
anniversary, AMVETS is celebrating 50 years of community service and 
involvement. AMVETS is involved in community projects providing 
services not only to veterans but to any member of the community in 
need. In such activities as the Caro State Hospital where they held 
local talent shows with music, singers, and dancers, for the patients. 
The civic minded members of AMVETS also pass on our country's patriotic 
rituals to the public in an annual flag disposal ceremony designed to 
teach the community how to respectfully dispose of worn out flags.
  Yearly Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas baskets for the needy help 
assuage hunger around the holidays, but their concern is not seasonal. 
In September they hold the white clover sales where members go out all 
day collecting donations. This money is used for such vital community 
projects as Special Olympics and Toys for Tots.
  In an effort to ensure that those who served their country are not 
forgotten, the AMVETS assist the veterans hospital by taking patients 
on outings and volunteer weekly at the hospital to make veterans more 
comfortable. They also hold Pearl Harbor Day services and Memorial Day 
services.
  With an eye to the future, AMVETS provides scholarships for students 
aiding them in pursuit of higher education in many diverse fields of 
study. They also foster civic pride amongst grade school students with 
their essay and poster contest.
  Mr. Speaker, AMVETS Post 22 has been working hard for 50 years to 
improve the quality of life for all Americans. Please join me in 
congratulating the AMVETS Post 22 on its 50th anniversary, with best 
wishes for many more.

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