[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 146 (Monday, October 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING STEVENSON-D'ALESSIO AMERICAN LEGION POST 12

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 3, 2011

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Stevenson-
D'Alessio American Legion Post 12, located in the Borough of 
Somerville, Somerset County, New Jersey, on the occasion of its 90th 
anniversary.
  In 1919, Congress chartered the American Legion as a patriotic, 
mutual help, war-time veterans organization; a group of veterans who 
established a community-service organization which now numbers nearly 3 
million members. Later that same year, a small group of World War I 
veterans in Somerville, New Jersey decided to establish an American 
Legion post of their own.
  The group decided to name their post in honor of one of Somerville's 
first residents, United States Army Sergeant John Roland Stevenson, who 
was killed in action in France in 1918. Stevenson Post 12, American 
Legion received its charter on April 1, 1921, making it the 12th post 
in the State of New Jersey.
  Until the late 1930s, members met anywhere they could, but soon 
rallied together to raise money and purchase land to erect their Post 
home. Construction began in 1939. Through the generosity of friends and 
neighbors, the building was complete after six years of long volunteer 
hours.
  In 1942, during World War II, another Somerville resident lost his 
life defending our country. Seaman First Class, James W. D'Alessio, 
U.S. Navy, paid the ultimate sacrifice when the USS Juneau was hit by 
Japanese torpedoes. To honor his memory, the members of Stevenson Post 
12 adopted SC1 D'Alessio's name as part of its official title, becoming 
Stevenson-D'Alessio Post 12.
  Today, the Post home has increased to nearly double its size since 
the post-WWII era and has become a good neighbor in the community. They 
have opened their halls to community service clubs and organizations 
and many non-profits are able to use their hall free of charge. After 
serving their Nation and protecting our freedom, Legion members and 
their Auxiliary have gone the extra step in continuing to serve.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
Stevenson-D'Alessio American Legion Post 12 on its 90th anniversary.

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