[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 63 (Wednesday, April 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E807]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                VOLUNTEER SPIRIT IN COLUMBIA, TENNESSEE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LINCOLN DAVIS

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2003

  Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, the backbone of a strong 
community is the people. I am proud to say that the volunteer spirit is 
alive and well in Columbia, Tennessee.
  It was back in 1919 when Post 19 of the American Legion was 
established in Columbia. The following year Legion Auxiliary Unit 19 
was chartered. Since their establishment both organizations have 
provided the city of Columbia, in Maury County, and many of the local 
citizens with a true sense of pride. Unit 19 was recently honored at 
the National Convention for their outstanding work in providing care to 
veterans.
  The priorities of both organizations are not just associated with 
assisting our veterans. They also have a long history of providing 
services that directly benefit many youths. In the summer they sponsor 
different athletic events which helps foster teamwork and sportsmanship 
all while giving them a sense of self worth. They send individuals to 
attend Boy's State and Girl's State, which teaches leadership skills. 
They also award scholarships to individuals using funds they raise 
through bake sales, breakfasts, yard sales and so on.
  During the 50th Anniversary of World War II legionnaires and 
auxiliary members made up a committee, appointed by the County 
Executive, to help celebrate the anniversary. They helped bring the 
history of those who served abroad and in the states to those 
generations who weren't alive during that period in our history. They 
are now doing the same to highlight the 50th Anniversary of the Korean 
War.
  Recently, when the National Guard was called up for active duty these 
two organizations made sure they let the troops know they supported 
them. On the weekend before the Guard departed they hosted a breakfast 
and a lunch, and on the day of departure the members were at the armory 
to give them a proper sendoff.
  I am proud to be a witness to the actions of Post and Unit 19 in 
Columbia, Tennessee. They are selfless in their pursuit of making our 
communities stronger and improving the lives of others.

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