[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 34 (Wednesday, February 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE HARRY T. CLUNN MEMORIAL POST 9220

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 28, 2007

  Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor the Harry T. Clunn Memorial Post 9220 VFW in Bensalem, 
Pennsylvania, as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. Throughout the 
entirety of the Bensalem VFW's history, the Post and its members have 
worked tirelessly and selflessly for the betterment of the community as 
a whole.
  The spirited efforts of the Post's members reflect the memory of 
Lieutenant Harry T. Clunn, who sacrificed his life for his country. The 
Bensalem VFW Post embodies the civic duty and patriotism that 
Lieutenant Clunn showed during his service to this nation. Lieutenant 
Clunn, a graduate of Bensalem High School, enlisted and trained as a 
navigator with the 409th Bombardier Squadron at Hondu Air Base in 
Texas. At the height of the Second World War, the squadron was deployed 
to the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations. On April 12, 1944, 
Lieutenant Clunn and his fellow airmen were tragically killed after 
completing a bombing mission.
  Madam Speaker, the Bensalem VFW post has worked hard to honor 
Lieutenant Clunn and all the other men and women who have valiantly 
given their lives on the battlefield to protect the freedom we as 
Americans enjoy. In the memory of Lieutenant Clunn, members of the Post 
have contributed tremendous time and energy to the Bensalem community. 
The Post has supported local softball teams and senior citizen dinners. 
They have organized the ``Voice of Democracy'' essay contest for high 
school students and the ``Patriots Pen'' essay contest for middle 
school students. Each year, members of the Post contribute time and 
money to the Marines' ``Toys for Tots'' program, the St. Francis Home 
for the Homeless, the Delaware Valley Veterans Home and the Scotland 
School for Veterans' Children.
  With great pride, the Bensalem VFW Post publicly commemorates our 
fallen soldiers and all members of the military, thanking them for 
their commitment and devotion to defending our country. Each Memorial 
Day, members assist in the placement of thousands of American flags and 
markers at grave sites. But more generally speaking Madam Speaker, the 
members of the Bensalem VFW Post exemplify the commitment to public 
service that is at the core of our shared American values. They serve 
as an inspiration to the rest of the community, and a reminder that we 
are all indebted to the brave men and women who gave their lives before 
us. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Bensalem community, it is my honor 
to recognize the Harry T. Clunn Memorial Post 9220.

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