[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING NEW LENOX HARRY E. ANDERSON VFW POST 9545

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                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 1997

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the New Lenox Harry E. 
Anderson VFW Post 9545 for 50 years of dedicated service to the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars.
  Post 9545 was established on July 19, 1947, with the Ladies Auxiliary 
being formed on November 30, 1947. In the beginning veterans would 
gather at various locations such as garages, members' homes, and church 
basements. It was with great pride and pleasure that they have 
persevered and occupy their present building on Old Hickory Road.
  Post 9545 was named after Harry E. Anderson, a New Lenox resident who 
was killed during the Pearl Harbor invasion and became the first Will 
County World War II fatality.
  The Harry Anderson Post 9545 has proven to be a great asset to the 
New Lenox community. Its members have shown themselves to be the first 
to volunteer when services are needed. A particularly important role 
played by Post 9545 has been the promotion and encouragement of 
patriotism in the New Lenox community.
  I especially admire the way the Post has withstood adversity such as 
the devastating fire in 1995 which destroyed their building. Instead of 
giving up, the Post maintained their spirit and rebuilt their home.
  I urge this body to identify and recognize other organizations in 
their communities whose actions have so greatly benefited the veterans' 
community and their own community.

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