[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES AERIE #1801

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 8, 2008

  Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I offer my 
congratulations to the members and leadership of the Fraternal Order of 
Eagles Aerie #1801 in Somerset, Pennsylvania, who will celebrate their 
100th anniversary on July 30, 2008.
  Originally founded in 1898 by a group of theatre owners, the 
Fraternal Order of Eagles was created to act as a social haven for the 
like-minded. As the Fraternal Order of Eagles spread throughout the 
United States, they sought, as they continue to do so today, to 
establish a fraternal system to encourage and provide assistance to 
members and their families through a system of mutual insurance which 
provided death benefits. In 1908, the citizens of Somerset organized 
the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1801. Over the past one hundred 
years Aerie #1801 has focused on achieving their original objective, to 
``make human life more desirable by lessening its ills and promoting 
peace, prosperity, gladness, and hope.'' They have truly succeeded in 
their quest.
  Throughout its history, the Fraternal Order of Eagles has sought to 
leave a truly memorable past on the pages of history. Not only does the 
Eagles' historical participation consist of seven U.S. presidents, 
including Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter and 
Ronald Reagan, but they have also been incredibly charitable. Across 
the United States the Eagles donate more than $100 million every year 
to charities. Members of Aerie #1801 lift up their community as well as 
surrounding communities by raising funds for a multitude of local and 
national charities. These charities include the Golden Eagles Fund, 
Robert Hansen Diabetes Fund, and the Jimmy Durante Children's Fund. 
Through actively pursuing lifting up those around them, the Eagles 
Aerie #1801 has truly been an integral part of Somerset, Pennsylvania. 
The leadership and members of Aerie #1801 have continuously provided 
Somerset with examples of civic leadership, charitable giving, and 
improving the borough in ways great and small. The Eagles have made 
Somerset an immeasurably enhanced place to live, work, and raise 
families.
  The Somerset Fraternal Order of Eagles has provided a trustworthy 
atmosphere which has worked to help a multitude of men, women, and 
children throughout its history. I would like to congratulate the 
members and leadership of Aerie #1801 and Eagles who have assembled 
from across the country to be in Somerset on this occasion. I look 
forward to celebrating the one hundredth anniversary of such a 
wonderful organization, as it has brought a greater appreciation to our 
area and has surely been an asset to the community.

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