[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 108 (Monday, July 28, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S8203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 44--RELATIVE TO A POSTAGE STAMP

  Mr. LAUTENBERG (for himself and Mr. Specter) submitted the following 
concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on 
Governmental Affairs:

                            S. Con. Res. 44

       Whereas the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of 
     America, an organization of patriotic Americans dedicated to 
     highlighting the role of Jews in the United States Armed 
     Forces, celebrated 100 years of patriotic service to the 
     Nation on March 15, 1996;
       Whereas thousands of Jews have proudly served the Nation in 
     times of war;
       Whereas thousands of Jews have died in combat while serving 
     in the United States Armed Forces;
       Whereas, in World War II alone, Jews received more than 
     52,000 awards for outstanding service in the United States 
     Armed Forces, including the Medal of Honor, the Air Medal, 
     the Silver Star, and the Purple Heart;
       Whereas, in World War II alone, over 11,000 Jews died in 
     combat while serving in the United States Armed Forces;
       Whereas members of the Jewish War Veterans of the United 
     States of America have volunteered over 10,000,000 hours at 
     veterans' hospitals; and
       Whereas honoring the sacrifices of Jewish veterans is an 
     important component of recognizing the strong and patriotic 
     role Jews have played in the United States Armed Forces: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that--
       (1) a postage stamp should be issued to honor the 100th 
     anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States 
     of America; and
       (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee of the United 
     States Postal Service should recommend to the Postmaster 
     General that such a postage stamp be issued.

  Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, today I am submitting legislation 
expressing the sense of Congress that the Postal Service should issue a 
postage stamp should be issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of 
the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America. I am pleased 
to be joined by my distinguished colleague from Pennsylvania and 
chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Senator Specter.
  The Jewish War Veterans of the United States was founded in 1896, 
earning it the distinction of being the oldest veterans organization in 
the United States. The goal of its founders was to counter criticism in 
some of the major national publications of the day that suggested that 
Jewish Americans were unpatriotic and had not served in the Civil War. 
Not only did many Jews serve with distinction in the Civil War, but 
thousands have honorably served their country in subsequent military 
conflicts. More than 250,000 Jews served in World War I. During World 
War II, approximately 11,000 Jews were killed and 40,000 were wounded.
  Today, the Jewish War Veterans organization continues its mission of 
fighting anti-Semitism, promoting religious tolerance and defending the 
first amendment. Moreover, through its National Museum of American 
Jewish Military History and other activities, it educates the public 
about the contributions Jews have made to the defense of our Nation. 
The organization also serves a vital role of advocating on behalf of 
adequate treatment of all war veterans.
  My legislation is identical to legislation submitted to the 103d 
Congress. Senate Concurrent Resolution 60, which I was proud to 
cosponsor along with 62 of my colleagues. This legislation 
overwhelmingly passed the Senate on August 11, 1994. Unfortunately, 
despite the Senate's wishes, the Postal Service has refused to issue a 
commemorative stamp honoring this worthy organization. Thus, I believe 
that it is time to reaffirm the Senate's position of this important 
matter. I urge my colleagues to join in cosponsoring this legislation.

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