[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 77 (Wednesday, May 26, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1095]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        VFW'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 26, 1999

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, in celebration of VFW's 100th anniversary, 
I want to recognize the efforts of this worthwhile organization that 
continues to assist tens of thousands of veterans, as well as their 
dependents and survivors. Today, the VFW's 2 million veterans, and its 
auxiliaries' 750,000 members, provide $2.7 million annually in 
scholarships and awards to U.S. high school students. In addition, the 
VFW provides $3 million annually for cancer research and $15 million 
for veteran-service programs.
  In Texas alone, there are approximately 174,452 retired military who 
have done their part in defending our country--we need to recognize 
their service. On Memorial Day, I will be presenting the Bronze Star 
Medal to Army Captain James Flowers who served our country during World 
War II. During an invasion of Normandy, Mr. Flowers lost both legs. The 
tragedy Mr. Flowers suffered should not go unrewarded.
  I am consistently awed by the great sacrifice committed by so many of 
behalf of this great nation. Let us not forget the goals of the VFW as 
noted in the 1936 congressional charter: ``To assist worthy comrades; 
to perpetuate their memory . . .; and to assist their widows and 
orphans; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United 
States; to maintain and extend the institutions of freedom; and to 
preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies, 
whomsoever.''

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