[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 101 (Thursday, July 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE IRVING G. BERGMAN AMERICAN 
                   LEGION POST IN BANNING, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2006

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, the American Legion is one of 
the most respected institutions in our Nation, honoring our veterans 
and providing service to local communities. This is especially true of 
the Irving G. Bergman Post 428 in Banning, California, which is 
celebrating its 75th anniversary in August.
  Post 428 was chartered as the San Gorgonio Pass Post of the American 
Legion in August 1931, to serve the veterans living in the Riverside 
County cities of Banning, Beaumont, Cabazon, Cherry Valley and 
Calimesa. Over the years, the Post has also become a community resource 
in the rapidly growing area.
  More than 200 veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the 
Persian Gulf are active members of the Post, which refurbished a 
building in downtown Banning for its headquarters. My colleagues will 
be pleased to know that a flag flown over our Capitol waves over the 
Post each day.
  Members of the Post provide service to disabled veterans at the Jerry 
L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center in nearby Loma Linda. The Post is 
a frequent host for ceremonies on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and other 
observances. Members have sponsored widely recognized salutes, 
including a Salute to Blue Star Families and a communitywide Welcome 
Home to Troops which drew hundreds of area residents to honor 
California National Guard members returning from fighting the War on 
Terrorism. The Post also helped completely refurbish the local Armory.
  Post 428 is especially active in the community, with members visiting 
schools to talk about patriotism and what it means to be a veteran, 
presenting small flags to students and large flags to be flown at the 
schools. Members have also participated in safety fairs and local 
parades.
  I am particularly grateful to the past commander of Post 428, Rees 
Lloyd, who has been a strong advocate for protection of the Mojave 
Cross Veteran's Memorial in the Mojave National Preserve in the desert 
area of my congressional district. Although it is in a remote location 
and has a clear history as a veterans memorial, the cross has been 
challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union, which sued the 
National Park Service to remove it. Through the efforts of Mr. Lloyd, 
who is now commander of all Riverside County Posts, the American Legion 
has taken a strong stand in support of maintaining the cross. With 
their support, I am hopeful we will prevail in keeping this memorial to 
our veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, the American Legion motto is ``Still Serving God and 
Country,'' and I believe that is especially true of Post 428. Please 
join me in thanking them for their public service, and congratulating 
them on their 75th anniversary.

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