[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 29, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S11654]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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               HONORING THE VFW ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, today is the 100th birthday of the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Yesterday, the Senate approved H.J. 
Res. 34, a resolution which commemorates that auspicious event. I wish 
to mark the occasion further by offering my congratulations to the 
members and families of that fine organization.
  In my 19 years as a United States Senator I have been able to count 
on the VFW to convey the concerns of veterans in a fair and insightful 
manner. Especially during my tenure as Chairman of the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs, I have always been able to rely on the VFW to assist 
me in ascertaining the quality of health care and benefits provided by 
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Without the VFW's 2,000,000 
strong membership, it would be extremely difficult for the Committee--
or the Congress--to operate in the best interest of America's veterans.
  Earlier this year, I had the honor of being named the recipient of 
the VFW Congressional Award. At the award reception, I was struck by 
the history of the VFW. From the trenches of Verdun to the deserts of 
Iraq, VFW members have taken their place in America's history, serving 
to preserve ``one Nation, under God, with liberty and justice for 
all.''
  The service of VFW members, however, has never been limited to 
wartime service--as vital as that has been. VFW members also play 
indispensable roles within their communities--as volunteers in VA 
hospitals and advocates for veteran claimants and through numerous 
civic and youth projects in every State and locality. Indeed, America 
counts VFW members among its model citizens.
  For 100 years as honorable citizens and soldiers, the VFW deserves 
America's gratitude for a job well done. We salute you.

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