[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 86 (Thursday, May 24, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S2921]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CENTENNIAL OF THE AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF MICHIGAN

 Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, today I wish to pay special 
tribute to the American Legion Department of Michigan, which this year 
is celebrating its 100th convention.
  When the American Legion was chartered by Congress 1919, its members 
were veterans of what was termed the War to End All Wars: World War I. 
They served alongside people like John F. Roehl, a former major in the 
Air Service and chief inspector for the Detroit Department of Health, 
first commander of American Legion Post 1 in Warren; Captain James 
Wilson, who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and received a 
citation for bravery in action from General John Pershing, first 
commander of Post 36 in Kalamazoo; and Lilly Larson of Ishpeming, who 
served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and today is the namesake of 
American Legion Post 114 in Greenwood.
  Today's American Legion members have served on many fronts and in 
many capacities. However, they share a few key attributes with the 
American Legion's very first members. They all have a deep and profound 
love for this country. They all have served in uniform with honor, and 
they all are dedicated to continuing to serve their communities, their 
country, and their fellow veterans.
  They do this in as many ways as there are American Legion posts in 
big cities, small towns, and rural areas across Michigan and across 
this country.
  Post 44 in Marquette sponsors a youth hockey team, which gives area 
young people a chance to stay active and involved during those months 
when the snow is a bit too deep in the Upper Peninsula to play American 
Legion baseball.
  Post 459 in Grand Rapids teams up with organizations including the 
Children's Advocacy Center of Kent County to raise funds to support 
children who are victims of abuse and to build communities where all 
young people are respected and safe.
  Post 202 in Detroit has a strong focus on connecting young people in 
southeast Michigan with educational and service opportunities, 
including Boys State, Student Trooper, JROTC, and college scholarships.
  Post 68 in Paw Paw hosts an ``All Gave Some . . . Some Gave All'' 
golf outing to raise money for items like Trackchairs, so that wounded 
Michigan warriors can continue to enjoy the active, offroad life so 
many people in our State enjoy.
  Whether they are finding housing for homeless veterans, connecting 
separating servicemembers with employment opportunities, supporting 
military families, or inspiring the next generation of patriots, every 
day, American Legion members are doing all they can to build stronger 
communities and a stronger country.
  Their hard work and dedication is a testament to their organization 
and to the values that have been the foundation of the American Legion 
from the beginning: love of country, respect for continued service, 
promotion of a strong national defense, and devotion to their fellow 
servicemembers and veterans.
  For a century, the American Legion has made sure that the voices of 
our veterans are heard and their service and sacrifice have not been 
forgotten. On its 100th anniversary, it is my honor to do the same for 
them.
  Thank you.

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