[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 41 (Monday, March 29, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNITION OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

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                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 29, 2004

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the American 
Legion, a noble organization, chartered by Congress in 1919. The 
American Legion turned 85 this week and its members across our Nation 
are celebrating this historic event.
  I'm proud to report that my home district celebrated this occasion 
recently at an event hosted by Retired Air Force Colonel Ted Buck of 
Mt. Vernon. He served 22 years active duty including 30 months during 
the Vietnam War. He received two Distinguished Flying Crosses, The 
Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with a Silver Star and the Purple Heart. He 
was also awarded the Legion of Merit award for his duty as a pilot for 
Dr. Henry Kissinger on his historic shuttle diplomacy.
  I mention Colonel Buck by name because he puts a face on an 
organization made up of many heroic men and women who, like Colonel 
Buck, have put their lives on the line for this Nation. While 
patriotism and support for our men and women in uniform comes in and 
out of favor here in Washington, D.C. our Nation is blessed to have an 
organization that exists to meet the needs of our veterans. I consider 
myself fortunate to be a member of the American Legion and I'm honored 
to have the opportunity to wish them a happy 85th birthday. I speak for 
all of my colleagues in wishing the American Legion many more years to 
continue their work to insure appropriate respect for the American 
veteran and their families.

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