[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 141 (Wednesday, September 21, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1670-E1671]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE HOLIDAY ISLES ELKS LODGE 1912 IN MADEIRA BEACH, 
                                FLORIDA

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                          HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 2011

  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this 
opportunity to recognize an outstanding group of individuals that I 
have the privilege to represent in Madeira Beach, Florida, which has 
dedicated years of generous care and hospitality for our Nation's 
veterans. Over the years, in cooperation with the Bay Pines Veterans 
Hospital, the Holiday Isles Elks Lodge 1912 has proved that their 
commitment to our troops is unwavering.
  Every day, members of Lodge 1912 can be found at the local Bay Pines 
Veterans Hospital demonstrating their commitment to those who have 
already sacrificed so much. For example, member Betty Ryan takes the 
initiative on a regular basis to find out what exactly it is our 
hospitalized veterans need. And within the lodge, Betty has set up a 
box for donations which she routinely presents to veterans at Bay 
Pines.
  The Elks community also offers and supports many individual programs 
designed to help and enhance the lives of our veterans. One of these 
supported programs is the Wounded Warrior Project which, in 2009, the 
Elks National Veterans Service Commission made available $50,000 to 
launch the Elks/Wounded Warrior Project. Just as the Wounded Warrior 
Project assists injured veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and 
Afghanistan, the Elks offers a program known as the Army of Hope which 
assists the families of those who have been called to duty during these 
very difficult times of conflict.
  These constituents of mine provide an outstanding service to our 
veterans; however, this commitment does not end with Lodge 1912. There 
are 2000 lodges nationwide and you will find their members hard at work 
in each of the 172 VA Medical centers around the country living up to 
their pledge: ``So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and 
Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.''
  Mr. Speaker, Holiday Isles Elks Lodge 1912 not only shines in their 
display of compassion and patriotism, but also reminds us of the 
characteristics of great people that make up a great nation. Thank you 
to all the members for their excellent service in the past and for your 
continued assistance to the community and our veterans in the future.

[[Page E1671]]



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