[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 12, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E937]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES 100TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 1999

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the Centennial 
Anniversary of a proud organization. Today, the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars of the United States, Tenth District in the State of Michigan will 
celebrate the VFW's 100th Anniversary. The members will gather at the 
Charles Schoor Post 796 in Port Huron Michigan in honor of this 
historic occasion.
  The Veterans of Foreign Wars dates back to the time of the Spanish-
American War of the late 1800's. The first local organizations were 
founded by veterans in 1899 to secure rights and benefits for their 
service. Three separate groups were founded in Ohio, Colorado, and 
Pennsylvania, and later banded together to become known as the Veterans 
of Foreign Wars of the United States.
  Today, the organization has over two million members, and includes 
veterans from World War I through Bosnia. Each new generation of 
members adds to the strength and focus of the VFW. However, the VFW has 
remained committed to recognizing military service and remembering 
those who gave their lives for freedom.
  Under the motto, ``Honor the dead by helping the living,'' the VFW 
has provided assistance to countless veterans across the United States. 
The VFW has more than 15,000 trained service officers who assist 
veterans and their families with government services, discharge 
upgrades, and other much-deserved benefits awarded to Veterans. Through 
national programs, the Veterans of Foreign Wars is able to provide 
members with information, scholarship, safety programs, and youth 
involvement activities.
  On the 100th Anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, we 
celebrate the people who have made this organization successful. I 
would like to extend my congratulations on this historic occasion and 
best wishes for the future.

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