[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 141 (Monday, October 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2115]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             TRIBUTE TO V.F.W. JOHN MARTIN STEEL POST 6049

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                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 18, 1999

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars John Martin Steel Post 6049 of Morris, Illinois as it 
celebrates the 100th year anniversary of the VFW and the 75th year 
anniversary of the Ladies' Auxiliary.
  On May 8, 1942, Private John Martin Steel was killed in the South 
Pacific. Private Steel served aboard the aircraft carrier Lexington 
with an anti-aircraft battalion when it was sunk. Private Steel was the 
first local man to be killed in the Second World War. Almost a year to 
the day later, the USS Steel, a destroyer escort, was launched on May 
4, 1943.
  The charter of this VFW Post was obtained in 1947. Among the Charter 
Members: William G. Stratton, former Governor of Illinois; James R. 
Washburn, former Mayor of Morris and Illinois State Representative; 
August Black, a prominent attorney; William Sackett, newspaper owner; 
and Clark Davis, former Coroner. Not only were these men Charter 
Members, as you can see, they were also pillars of the community who 
provided great leadership.
  Today, along with honoring the men, we also acknowledge the important 
role of the Ladies' Auxiliary. The assistance of this organization has 
been critical to the members of the VFW for the past 75 years. These 
ladies serve as the mortar in the foundation of the VFW. Post 6049 is 
fortunate to have the resources of a Ladies' Auxiliary.
  The naming of this VFW Post after Private John Martin Steel honors 
his service and his ultimate sacrifice for our country. Not only does 
the naming of this post honor Private Steel, it also reminds us of all 
of the veterans who fought for our freedom overseas. It reminds us of 
the brave individuals who shipped off to far away lands and put their 
lives on the line to insure the American way of life. It reminds us, 
Mr. Speaker, that freedom is not free. And it reminds us that these 
courageous Americans should all be remembered and should all be 
honored.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe it is fitting and appropriate to honor the 
service of the men of the Veterans of Foreign Wars John Martin Steel 
Post 6049 in Morris, Illinois and the Ladies' Auxiliary. They have 
shown leadership for their country and community for the last 52 years. 
Without them, the community would have no backbone; but because of 
their service we are strong, courageous and proud of a free America.

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