[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 13, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF DES MOINES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2013

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
the Junior League of Des Moines (JLDM) for being selected as the 2013 
organizational inductee to the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame by the Iowa 
Commission on Volunteer Service. The Junior League of Des Moines is 
being recognized for their efforts as outstanding Iowans who have 
selflessly given their time and talents to benefit their state.
   Obtaining a coveted induction to the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame is 
the most prestigious statewide honor a volunteer can attain. Members of 
this exclusive club have changed their communities forever through 
their volunteer service and will be forever enshrined in the State 
Historical Museum.
   In 1926, Mrs. Ruth Wallace Wijkman founded the Junior Social Service 
League of Des Moines with a mere 10 members. In 1931, Wijkman's 
organization of humble beginnings would formally affiliate with the 
Association of Junior Leagues to become the Junior League of Des 
Moines. Today, after more than 80 years, the JLDM is stronger than ever 
with hundreds of members that remain committed to the mission of 
tirelessly building a better community. Whether the task at hand is 
education and caring for children, expanding opportunities for young 
people in Des Moines, or building playgrounds with their bare hands, 
the JLDM is never shy when it comes to improving the world around them.
   Mr. Speaker, the example set by this extraordinary group of women 
demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and service. The 
Junior League of Des Moines' efforts truly embody the Iowa spirit, and 
I am honored to represent them in the United States Congress. I know 
that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating 
the JLDM on their award, thanking them for their service, and wishing 
them future success as they continue to change lives.

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