[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 125 (Thursday, September 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1680]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE 91ST ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN LEGION DAY

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                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 16, 2010

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the American 
Legion for the outstanding work they do on behalf of and for our 
nation's veterans.
  Today we celebrate American Legion Day, the 91st anniversary of the 
date that the American Legion received their charter from the U.S. 
Congress. Over the past nine decades, the American Legion has never 
wavered from their commitment to support our veterans, our country and 
our communities.
  The American Legion is a tremendous advocate for war-time veterans 
through their legislative outreach. Over the years, the Legion helped 
write and successfully advocated for the original ``GI Bill of Rights'' 
during World War II and the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals, among other 
important accomplishments. In addition to working directly with and for 
veterans, the Legion has also played an important role providing 
community support in areas such as mental health, children's welfare, 
and disaster relief.
  As the House sponsor of the 21st century Post 9/11 GI Bill, I am 
particularly grateful to the work the American Legion once again put 
forth to advocate for improved and enhanced education benefits for 
today's veterans. From helping to craft language and whipping support 
among lawmakers and the public, the Legion was an irreplaceable partner 
in this great step forward. Thanks to the Legion's grass-roots efforts, 
today there are more than 330,000 veterans across the country now 
enrolled and using GI Bill benefits.
  I am grateful for the many opportunities I have had to work with the 
Legion on both the national and local level.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing American Legion Day and 
honoring the decades of service to our veterans, and the vital work 
they continue to perform for our country.

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