[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 158 (Monday, November 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2301]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING AMERICAN LEGION LEON BURSON POST NO. 395 OF PLANO, IL

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                         HON. J. DENNIS HASTERT

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Sunday, November 9, 1997

  Mr. HASTERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the members 
and auxiliary of American Legion Leon Burson Post No. 395 in Plano, Il, 
on the post's 78th anniversary.
  Mr. Speaker, the Leon Burson Post No. 395 of the American Legion was 
granted its charter in 1919, shortly after the guns fell silent in 
World War I, and the Legion auxiliary was chartered in 1920. The 
servicemen and women who banded together to form this post shortly 
after our soldiers and sailors returned home were interested in keeping 
their spirit of camaraderie alive. They came together through the 
American Legion with a goal toward serving their community and their 
fellow veterans, and they have been meeting that challenge ever since.
  Working with other community organizations, including other service 
clubs, civic groups and churches of varied faiths, the men and women of 
the Leon Burson Post have served their community faithfully and well. 
They participate in programs to benefit hospitalized veterans, they 
support the Illinois Boys and Girls State programs, sponsor Boy Scout 
and Cub Scout organizations, work with the local Mothers Against Gangs 
group, and host the annual Plano Youth Tackle Football banquet. They 
have held fundraisers for local residents who have needed assistance in 
meeting long-term health care needs and have even provided scholarships 
for local students. I could go on and on with the projects and programs 
these men and women have participated in, but let me just say that 
those that I have mentioned are but a brief sample of the fine efforts 
displayed by these dedicated post members.
  Mr. Speaker, it is organizations such as these that continue to make 
our Nation strong. I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 
post's anniversary, and to congratulate American Legion Leon Burson 
Post No. 395 of Plano, IL for their efforts on behalf of their 
community and our Nation.

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