[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 68 (Thursday, April 25, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E487-E488]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONGRATULATING LA GRANDE AMERICAN LEGION POST NO. 43

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 2019

  Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the La Grande 
American Legion Post No. 43 on 100 years of service to eastern Oregon, 
and for their continued support and leadership in my home state.
  In Oregon, we understand how important it is to support our veterans. 
The La Grande Post No. 43 has been a steadfast partner in this effort. 
With over 117 Posts and 17,000 fraternal members in Oregon--and over 2 
million affiliate members--the American Legion is a strong advocate for 
the veteran community in our great state of Oregon and across the 
country.
  The La Grande Post No. 43 has been a vital part of the community 
during these last one hundred years. They place American flags on 
veterans' graves on Memorial Day and organize and participate in local 
veterans' parades. They also lead donation efforts for local 
firefighters' organizations, make monthly visits to veterans in 
retirement homes in our community, mount up the Patriot Guard to attend 
funerals with aims-firing details, and volunteering thousands of hours 
at VA medical facilities.
  A little over a year ago, I had breakfast with a group of veterans--
some of whom are members of Post No. 43--that spend time every week 
serving ice cream to disabled veterans throughout La Grande and the 
surrounding community. They call themselves the ``Vets Ice Cream 
Patrol,'' and the time and energy they spend with veterans every week 
is a simple, but powerful, gesture of camaraderie and service.
  Over the past 100 years, the American Legion has assisted over 
700,000 veterans and families across the nation in collecting their 
benefits; honored our veterans and led memorial tributes for fallen 
comrades; and volunteered thousands of hours at VA medical facilities. 
La Grande Post No. 43 has been a valued part of that tradition.
  Being a champion for our veterans is an endeavor that transcends 
party lines and is a small expression of gratitude for all they have 
done to protect our freedoms. The American Legion has led the effort in 
this, with an emphasis on service to the local community and 
volunteerism to improve the quality of life for Oregon veterans.
  In celebration and gratitude for all that they do, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating the La Grande American Legion 
Post No. 43 on 100 years of unwavering service to Oregon veterans.

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