[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 72 (Friday, May 30, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1070]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1070]]


      TRIBUTE TO THE JOHN RAAD POST NO. 438 OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 30, 1997

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
John Raad Post No. 438 of the American Legion as it celebrates its 50th 
anniversary.
  The John Raad Post elected its first slate of officers on February 9, 
1947 and was granted its American Legion charter No. 438, on December 
7, 1947.
  Since that time, the Post has been a tremendous resource to its 
members and to the community. As a former mayor and south Paterson 
native, I am aware firsthand of the contributions of the John Raad 
Post. It has been the center of civic and social activity in south 
Paterson for many years. The Post has been a place for veterans to 
congregate and for members of the community, including the variety of 
new immigrant groups who settled in Paterson, to use for social 
gatherings.
  The members of the Post themselves have been active. Members of the 
Legion not only take care of veterans by visiting them in hospitals and 
sponsoring recreation activities, but they care for the community. They 
and their auxiliary sponsor boys and girls to participate in Boys' Town 
and Girls' Town. They give donations to charity and their concerns for 
the welfare of our children, Americanism and the world around them are 
evident.
  The Post has 25 members who were original with the Post when it was 
first conceived 50 years ago.
  Mr. Speaker, I therefore ask that you join me, our colleagues, the 
members of the John Raad Post, and members of the entire community, as 
we recognize the invaluable services of this American Legion Post on 
its 50th anniversary.

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