[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 43 (Monday, March 11, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING AMERICAN LEGION POST 159

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FLORES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 11, 2019

  Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize American Legion 
Earl Graham Post 159 for the 100th anniversary of their organization.
  The American Legion was founded on March 15, 1919 at the American 
Club in Paris by members of the American Expeditionary Forces. The 
organization was chartered by Congress on September 16, 1919 as a 
patriotic veteran organization.
  American Legion Post 159 was also first organized in Brazos County in 
1919 and invitations to join were published in the Bryan Eagle 
newspaper beginning on February 6, 1920. The post was formally 
chartered in Bryan, Texas on February 13, 1920.
  Post 159 is named in honor of 1st Lieutenant Cyrus Earl Graham, a 
member of the Texas A&M Class of 1916 who served in the Army Air Corps 
during World War I.
  Lieutenant Graham was born in Brazos County and attended Texas A&M 
where he was a member of the Ross Volunteers, and graduated with a 
Bachelor of Science degree. He volunteered for service in the Army Air 
Corps and died in a plane crash in France in 1918, two days before the 
Armistice ending the war. Several years later, his remains were 
returned to the United States and he was buried in the Bryan City 
Cemetery. Every November 9th, the Post 159 Honor Guard pays their 
respect to his memory at a ceremony at his gravesite.
  Since its inception, American Legion Post 159 has been a service and 
community minded organization. Post 159 committed 10,000 dollars to the 
Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial to assist with the creation of a 
permanent World War I memorial in Veterans Park. Every month the Post 
sends 10 to 15 care boxes to active duty service members who are 
overseas. They provide emergency financial assistance to veterans in 
need, sponsor a veteran's resource fair, and host a weekly coffee for 
our community's veterans. Post 159's Honor Guard also provides services 
including a rifle salute and the playing of TAPS for over 70 veteran 
funerals each year.
  Additionally, Post 159, and its Auxiliary, sponsor at least 20 high 
school seniors yearly to the American Legion's Boys and Girls State 
conference. They also sponsor Boy Scout Troop 159 and the Junior 
Shooting Sports Program.
  Madam Speaker, American Legion Earl Graham Post 159 has had a deep 
impact in the Brazos Valley since their organization in 1919. Their 
service to current members of the armed forces, veterans, and youth of 
the community cannot be overstated.
  I have requested that a United States flag be flown over our Nation's 
Capitol to honor the work and legacy of Earl Graham Post 159 and its 
members.
  As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our 
country, for our veterans, for our military men and women who protect 
us, and for our first responders who keep us safe at home.

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