[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 49 (Tuesday, April 28, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S3729]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO VFW POST #5245 ON THEIR FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute to the North Haverhill, New Hampshire, Post #5245 of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) on the occasion of their fiftieth 
anniversary. As a veteran and member of the VFW myself, I honor these 
men for their selfless commitment to their country and to their 
community.
  Since 1948, the original membership of 30 World War Two veterans has 
grown to 160 veterans of World Wars One and Two, the Korean War, the 
Vietnam War and the Gulf War. I would like to specially recognize the 
charter members that have been there from the beginning--William 
Fortier, Leo Fortier, Fred Robinson, Paul LaMott, Everett Jessman, 
Maurice Bigelow, Willis Applebee, Ernest Hartley, William Harris, 
Laurent Fournier, Clifford Sawyer and Leon Dargie. All have served our 
country valiantly, and now tirelessly serve the Upper Valley, devoting 
endless hours to their community.
  The extent of the Post's involvement is endless, helping not only 
veterans, but anyone to whom they can lend a helping hand. They are 
especially involved with the youth of the Upper Valley. Their youth 
programs projects stretch from donating American flags to schools and 
teaching proper flag etiquette, to sponsoring essay contests and 
awarding college scholarships. They also sponsor Cub Scout and Girl 
Scout troops and instruct youth on bicycle safety. In addition, members 
host meals at a local soup kitchen, visit nursing homes and the VA 
Hospital and also visit shut-ins. They transport the elderly to 
appointments, donate wheelchairs and walkers and distribute food 
baskets on Thanksgiving.
  For half of a century, these members have exemplified goodwill and 
concern for their neighbors, and their efforts will no doubt continue 
for the next fifty years. I congratulate Post #5245 for their steadfast 
service to the Upper Valley. New Hampshire and the United States are 
truly indebted to the North Haverhill Post #5245 of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars, and I am proud to represent them in the U.S. Senate. 





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