[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 82 (Thursday, May 11, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Page S2913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LISTER-KNOWLTON VFW POST 9389
Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States traces its roots to 1899, when veterans returning home
after the Spanish-American War joined together to support each other
and to advance the ideals of our Nation. Nearly a half century later,
on May 11, 1947, veterans returning to my hometown after World War II
joined together for the same noble causes. Today I wish to commemorate
the 70th anniversary of Lister-Knowlton VFW Post 9389 in Caribou, ME.
The name of Post 9389 signifies a fundamental purpose of the VFW: to
honor those who gave their lives for freedom. Private Evan Lister and
CPL Edward Knowlton were both born in Caribou, both served in the U.S.
Army during World War II, and both made the ultimate sacrifice when
they were each just 23 years old. Neither will ever be forgotten. Nor
will we ever forget those who returned home but who have since passed
into history. It is sobering to note that today there is just one
living charter member of the Caribou post, WWII veteran David O.
Michaud, and we honor him for his service.
In 2003, the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery was dedicated in
Caribou. This final resting place for our heroes was the result of many
years of hard work and determined advocacy by committed citizens, with
our VFW post leading the way. My father, Donald Collins, a decorated
World War II veteran, was among those who made that enduring tribute
possible.
A defining quality of America's veterans is that they continue to
serve long after their service in uniform ends. Members of the Caribou
VFW and the auxiliary are part of a vast network that assists the
patriots serving today, fellow veterans, and their families. They
generously support a wide range of community projects, charitable
endeavors, and youth programs. One of the most important contributions
made by the VFW is its focus on educating our young people on American
values. Each year, more than 175,000 high school and middle school
students nationwide join in the VFW's Voice of Democracy and Patriot's
Pen essay competitions. That wonderful level of participation is always
matched by the quality of the submissions. Last year, at the State VFW
convention, I was delighted to congratulate the two Maine winners,
including Corrine Corbin of Caribou, sponsored by our hometown VFW.
I am proud to be a life member of the Caribou VFW Post auxiliary,
which was also chartered in 1947. Working side by side, the VFW and
auxiliary honor America and the men and women who defend us. It is a
pleasure to congratulate the Lister-Knowlton VFW Post 9389 on this
landmark anniversary.
Mr. KING. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the Caribou VFW on
their 70th anniversary. The Caribou VFW, known as the Lister-Knowlton
VFW Post 9389, was founded on May 11, 1947, by veterans returning home
from World War II. The post was named after two brave Caribou natives,
Private Evan Lister and CPL Edward Knowlton, who served their country
during World War II and made the ultimate sacrifice when they were only
23 years old. Their dedication and service to our country will never be
forgotten.
I also want to recognize the ladies auxiliary, who will celebrate
their 70th anniversary on June 19. The ladies auxiliary was formed by
women who were mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters of veterans who
served in our Armed Forces and whose service made them eligible for the
Veterans of Foreign Wars. In addition, the auxiliary includes female
veterans who served abroad in times of war.
While I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge all of the
veterans for their service, I want to make special note of David O.
Michaud. David is a World War II veteran and the sole surviving charter
member of the Lister-Knowlton VFW Post 9389. I would also like to honor
Josephine Bell, an original charter member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary
in Caribou who is still with us today.
These 70th anniversaries, of both the Lister-Knowlton VFW post and
the ladies auxiliary, provide occasion to celebrate the storied
tradition of service, both past and present, that the Veterans of
Foreign Wars represent. Each of us is forever indebted to those members
of the VFW who served in the protection of the United States and to
their families for the care and support they have provided. We are also
grateful to the VFW for their continued service, supporting those
veterans who have returned, advocating on their behalf at all levels of
government, and organizing a variety of community building projects.
In closing, I am glad to join with the members of the VFW and the
ladies auxiliary in Caribou in honoring this 70th year of working on
behalf of veterans, the State of Maine, and our great Nation.
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