[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 157 (Friday, December 3, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2062]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     TRIBUTE TO MERLE REED POST 124

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 3, 2010

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the American 
Legion Merle Reed Post 124 of Delano, California on the occasion of the 
90th anniversary of their charter. In honor of this momentous occasion, 
the Post will celebrate at the Past Commanders and Past Presidents of 
the American Legion Family dinner on December 4, 2010 at the Legion 
Hall in Delano, California.
  The roots of the American Legion in Delano began with John Robertson 
Quinn, a World War I veteran from Delano, California. After finding 
that the nearest American Legion Post was located in Bakersfield, 
California nearly a day's drive from his home, John Robertson Quinn 
organized an American Legion Post in Delano to ensure local veterans 
had a site to gather closer to home. The Post was named Merle Reed Post 
124 in memory of Private Cyrus Merle Reed, United States Army, who was 
the only soldier from Delano, California killed in action during World 
War I. Merle Reed Post 124 received its charter on September 17, 1920. 
John Robertson Quinn served as the first Post Commander, and was later 
elected to serve as American Legion State Commander in 1921. John 
Robertson Quinn was also elected as the first National Commander from 
the State of California and west of the Mississippi River in 1923.
  After years of meeting at several locations throughout Delano, John 
Robertson Quinn's family donated the property at the corner 8th Avenue 
and Kensington Street in Delano, California to the Post for a building. 
The first Merle Reed Post 124 building was completed in 1924. American 
Legion National Commander John Robertson Quinn dedicated the building 
in June 1924 during an official visit to his home Post. Today, the 
American Legion hall in Delano still hosts many American Legion 
activities and serves as a hall for community purposes.
  Merle Reed Post 124 has continued to be an integral part of the 
Delano community since its inception, and is the only veterans' 
organization in the Delano area. Currently the Post has 110 members and 
continues to grow and attract new members through its active 
participation in community service. The Merle Reed Post 124 
Legionnaires, as well as the Merle Reed Post 124 Auxiliary, chartered 
in 1921 and the Sons of the American Legion Squadron, chartered in 
1999, share the positive attitude that has made this veterans' 
organization strong and responsive to the needs of the veterans in 
North Kern and South Tulare County.
  Each year, the Post participates in the Annual Memorial Service at 
North Kern Cemetery in Delano. Merle Reed Post 124 has sponsored over 
100 high school juniors to attend California Boys State, where 
participants learn the functions of our government. In addition, the 
Post participates in community events and festivals, always providing a 
positive image of our veterans. For years, Merle Reed Post 124's 1917 
Hinckley Army Truck and 1921 Model T Ford Car have been crowd favorites 
in local parades.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing 
American Legion Post 124 and its members on its 90th anniversary. I 
also ask that you join me in honoring its membership for their service 
to their community and its veterans, and for their commitment to the 
ideals of the American Legion.

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