[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E545-E546]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING PHIL FLEISTER OF ST. ANSGAR, IOWA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 2008

  Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication 
and hard work of one of my constituents. Phil Fleisher of St. Ansgar, 
Iowa, who has organized one of the most ambitious tributes to tell the 
story of America's veterans.
  This Saturday, April 12, the first annual Veterans Heritage Day will 
be observed at the St. Ansgar Walter T. Ennenberg American Legion Post 
headquarters, thanks to Phil's coordination.
  The event will display the largest military history collection in the 
north central region of Iowa, including thousands of veteran histories 
compiled by Fleischer, a Vietnam war veteran, in one of the most 
ambitious chronicles anywhere, dating back to the American Civil War.
  It has been noted in press reports that Phil has sponsored and 
organized a number of these event, at his own expense, designed to 
educate and promote awareness for the sacrifices of U.S. military 
personnel in American history.
  And, even though it is reported that Phil prefers to remain in the 
shadows and allow other veterans to take the spotlight, I wanted to 
properly recognize Phil's dedication to telling

[[Page E546]]

the veterans' stories of service and sacrifice today while at the same 
time collecting and preserving them for the benefit of future 
generations of Americans.
  No one has done more to secure this country's freedom and prosperity 
than our veterans. And, thanks to Phil Fleisher's hard work, we all can 
benefit from his story as a veteran and the stories of thousands of 
other veterans who proudly served this great Nation.
  I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me 
in commending Phil Fleisher and wish him a safe and successful event 
this Saturday.

                          ____________________