[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 10, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S4765]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CENTENNIAL OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

  Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the American 
Legion as it celebrates 100 years of dedication to serving and 
advocating for veterans on a local and national level.
  Chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919, the American Legion 
has grown to support veterans nationwide. The American Legion 
Department of Connecticut was established in the same year and is home 
to some of the first posts in the country.
  Over the past century, the American Legion has established itself as 
our Nation's largest veterans service organizations. As a nonpartisan 
and not-for-profit organization, the Legion uniquely offers a multitude 
of local programs devoted to our servicemembers and their communities. 
Through youth mentorship and athletics, reintegration assistance for 
wounded veterans, and many other critical activities, the Legion plays 
an important role in their communities throughout the United States.
  With around 150 posts across Connecticut, the organization helps 
bring together and shape the lives of many veterans, their families, 
and their neighborhoods. The Department of Connecticut follows the four 
pillars of the American Legion: supporting Americanism, national 
security, advocating for veterans' affairs and healthcare, and 
preparing children throughout our state for future success.
  In particular, they generously help children of all ages in 
Connecticut explore their potential with activities such as State 
Police Youth Week, an oratorical contest focused on deepening high 
school students' understanding of the U.S. Constitution, American 
Legion Baseball, and summer government education programs.
  As a member who has regularly attended events for the Legion, 
including several of their youth programs, annual conventions, Veterans 
Day events, and mid-winter conferences, I can proudly attest firsthand 
to the impressive work they accomplish on behalf of Connecticut 
veterans and their families. As the American Legion and its Department 
of Connecticut recognize and celebrate their rich and productive 100-
year history, the dedicated staff and volunteers continue to look 
toward the future and expand the positive impact of their outreach and 
programs.
  Committed to serving veterans and their communities throughout our 
State, the American Legion Department of Connecticut provides essential 
advocacy and services that help to better lives and create new 
opportunities. I applaud the accomplishments of the American Legion's 
devoted officers and volunteers, and I hope my colleagues will join me 
in congratulating the American Legion and the American Legion 
Department of Connecticut on a century of excellence.

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