[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PORT JEFFERSON ELKS LODGE

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                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 2008

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
50th anniversary of an established and important landmark in New York's 
first congressional district--the Port Jefferson Elks Lodge.
  The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is one of the oldest, 
largest and most respected private organizations in the United States. 
From its humble beginnings in 1868. the Benevolent and Protective Order 
of Elks has grown to nearly 1.3 million men and women with 2,300 local 
lodges throughout the country.
  Through these local branches, the Elks organization has contributed 
more than 5.6 million volunteer hours and $142 million in philanthropic 
service last year alone. Many of my constituents are proud hosts of the 
Port Jefferson Elks Lodge, and many more of my constituents are 
beneficiaries of the Lodge's invaluable service and contributions to 
the community.
  Since 1958, the Port Jefferson Elks Lodge has been recognized as a 
benevolent order dedicated to serving the community, including their 
notable service to our nation's youth and returning veterans. The 
members of the Port Jefferson Lodge support numerous charitable and 
patriotic activities in my district--from awarding youth scholarships 
and aid to disadvantaged families to local food pantry and veterans' 
program donations.
  Through its ``Helping Hand'' dinner, the Port Jefferson Elks Lodge 
recently raised $37,000 for a local Marine Corps veteran, Richard 
Kramer, who died from cancer due to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. 
The lodge donated funds and hosted events at its facility in order to 
gather community support for the Kramer family. This is a shining 
example of the Port Jefferson Elk's mission of goodwill and just one 
among many good deeds performed by the Elks on behalf of the veterans 
and citizens in our community who are most in need.
  I am proud to represent the Port Jefferson Elks Lodge. It is an ally 
and champion of our continuing efforts to ensure that our veterans 
receive their deserved benefits and the best quality of life--a small 
price to pay in return for their bravery, sacrifice, and honorable 
service to our country. The Elk's mission is best reflected by their 
pledge: ``So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective 
Order of Elks will never forget them.''
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent the Port Jefferson Elks 
Lodge and to recognize its 50th anniversary. On behalf of New York's 
first congressional district, I thank the Lodge and its members for 
their steadfast dedication to eastern Long Island and for embodying 
their cherished principles of ``charity, justice, brotherly love and 
fidelity''.

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