[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 31 (Friday, February 16, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





RECOGNITION OF 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER 
                                OF ELKS

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                           HON. DAVID P. ROE

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 16, 2018

  Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
150th anniversary of the founding of the Benevolent and Protective 
Order of Elks.
  As Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, it is both a 
pleasure and an honor for me to commemorate such an enormous milestone 
for an organization that does so much for America's veterans.
  Founded by a small group of friends in New York City on February 16, 
1868, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is an American 
fraternal society committed to the virtues of charity, justice, 
brotherly love and fidelity. Over the past 150 years, the Order has 
grown to include nearly 1,000,000 Elks Members and 2,000 lodges across 
the country.
  The Elks have a long and storied history of supporting America's 
veterans. This is evident through the century-old Elks pledge: ``So 
long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks 
will never forget them.''
  In fact, during World War I, at the behest of General Pershing--who 
was an Elk, himself--the Order donated over $2,000,000 to assist U.S. 
soldiers going abroad; and organized, constructed and equipped the 
first two American field hospitals in France.
  Following World War I, the Elks empowered nearly 50,000 disabled 
veterans by providing rehabilitation, vocation and education loans. It 
was this act of generosity that prompted the federal government to 
offer the first ever G.I. Bill for education benefits.
  Every day, Elks across the country visit VA medical facilities to 
provide support and friendship to the men and women who have borne the 
battle for our freedoms. Last year alone, the Elks provided over 
1,000,000 hours of service to veterans and donated nearly $41,000,000 
worth of goods, supplies and cash in support of America's veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned before, it is an absolute honor for me to 
commemorate the 150th anniversary of this incredible and selfless 
organization, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. I would like 
to extend my most sincere gratitude for their work over the past 150 
years and I wish them the absolute best for 150 years to come

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