[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1001]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 AMERICAN LEGION POST 553, SOUTH GLENS FALLS, NY, HONORED FOR 75 YEARS 
                               OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 1997

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, as a lifetime member of the American Legion 
myself, it is with great pride that I commemorate the Mohican Post 553 
of the American Legion in South Glens Falls, NY, in my congressional 
district. And it is with great humility that I stand here today and try 
and do justice to all the tremendous service and good this post has 
done for veterans and their families, as well as the entire community 
over the past 75 years.
  Just last year, I had the tremendous good fortune of addressing both 
the New York State and the National American Legion Convention where I 
was awarded with the American Legion's Distinguished Public Service 
Award. Mr. Speaker, it occurred to me that among all the things I've 
done in this Congress, I literally cherish above all else the time I've 
spent working alongside the American Legion. Together we've achieved so 
much on behalf of flag and country.
  But Mr. Speaker, those achievements are what makes the men and women 
of American Legion Posts like No. 553 in South Glens Falls the true 
heroes. Not only have they served their country in uniform, but they 
have served America and their fellow veterans as members of the Legion. 
A group that is always in the forefront of efforts to develop and 
maintain adequate veterans benefits and programs.
  And as if that wasn't enough, there are the tremendous programs and 
activities the members of Post 553 run on behalf of their community. 
I'm talking about things like scholarships and teams they sponsor for 
the youth in Glens Falls as well as community wide events.
  Because of efforts like these, their promotion of pride, patriotism, 
and good citizenship goes unparalleled. And that's why I can't wait to 
pass the constitutional amendment to protect Old Glory right here on 
the House floor knowing I have the wholehearted support of my fellow 
Legionnaires from Post 553 in South Glens Falls, New York.
  Mr. Speaker, protecting our flag, watching out for fellow veterans 
and ensuring a strong national defense may seem like a large and 
daunting agenda to some. But that's not half of what Legion Posts like 
this one have done over the 75 year history dating back to 1922. But I 
know there's no limit to what they can accomplish. That's because this 
post is made up of patriotic Americans who have served their country 
and earned the right to call themselves veterans of the U.S. Armed 
Forces and proud members of the American Legion.
  At this time, Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all members join me in 
paying tribute to all the members of South Glens Falls Legion Post 553 
for their tireless and selfless devotion to America and their 
community.

                          ____________________