[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 114 (Monday, July 9, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S4841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PENNSYLVANIA AMERICAN LEGION

  Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the Pennsylvania 
American Legion on its 100th anniversary.
  The Pennsylvania American Legion was chartered in 1919 by veterans 
returning from WWI with the goal of serving local communities, the 
State, and the Nation. Since then, the Pennsylvania American Legion has 
been a prominent advocate for the rights and entitlements of veterans. 
As one of the largest departments in the national organization, 
Pennsylvania has nearly 200,000 Legion members promoting the awareness 
of veterans' issues throughout the Commonwealth.
  Over the last 100 years, the American Legion has played a leading 
role in advocating on behalf of veterans in Pennsylvania and across 
America. The Legion was vital in the decision to expand the Veterans 
Bureau hospitals, a forerunner to the Department of Veterans Affairs, 
in 1924. During WWII, the American Legion was instrumental in crafting 
the GI Bill, which provides mortgage, medical, employment, disability, 
and educational assistance to returning veterans.
  In recent years, the Pennsylvania American Legion has continued to 
honor its commitment to veterans and the community. It has expanded the 
Housing for Homeless Veterans program, which aids homeless and drug-
dependent veterans across the Commonwealth. The Legion also provides 
numerous academic, athletic, and scouting programs designed to mentor 
youth.
  The Pennsylvania American Legion is also dedicated to representing 
men and women in uniform. It continues to build upon its founding 
principles of a strong national defense, caring for veterans, mentoring 
youth, and promoting patriotism.
  Today I want to recognize the significant contributions the 
Pennsylvania American Legion has made to the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania and its continued service to the nearly 1 million veterans 
across the State. I wish the members of the Pennsylvania American 
Legion all the best as they celebrate a century of service and the 
enduring commitment to support the veterans and servicemen and 
servicewomen of Pennsylvania with dignity and honor.
  Thank you.

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