[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 86 (Friday, May 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1059-E1060]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN RECOGNITION OF POPPY WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2008

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, May 23rd through May 
28th has been designated Poppy Week by the American Legion and American 
Legion Auxiliary of South Carolina. I am grateful to have this 
opportunity to express my gratitude to the American Legion and to our 
brave servicemembers they honor this week.
  The Poppy is the official flower of the American Legion. The flower 
symbolizes remembrance and serves as a memorial for the brave men and 
women of our armed forces who have given their lives in defense of this 
nation and our many freedoms. Since World War I, the Poppy Program has 
offered direct assistance to our veterans and their families.

[[Page E1060]]

As this year's Memorial Day approaches, I want to commend the American 
Legion for their hard work on behalf of our nation's military.
  The poppies that are distributed by the American Legion do more than 
just raise awareness. Through their tireless and coordinated efforts, 
the men and women of the American Legion are able to raise valuable 
charitable donations that can be used to increase awareness about the 
needs of our veterans and military families and even directly assist 
those families and their loved ones who may be disabled or 
hospitalized.
  I wish to thank Ms. Ethel Atkins. Poppy Chairman for the American 
Legion Auxiliary of South Carolina, for her hard work as well as Ms. 
Dorothy Tunstall, President of the American Legion Auxiliary of South 
Carolina. I appreciate the success of Past President Willie Wingard of 
Lexington. Their efforts and the work of all members of the American 
Legion honor the sacrifice of our brave American soldiers, sailors, 
airmen, and Marines.

                          ____________________