[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 126 (Thursday, July 25, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E991]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN LEGION POST 39 OF NORTH 
                         SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2019

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th 
Anniversary of American Legion Post 39 of North Saint Paul, Minnesota.
  Shortly after the end of World War I, 15 veterans living around the 
village of North Saint Paul came together to discuss a new national 
organization called the American Legion that was dedicated to serving 
veterans and their families. These veterans decided to seek a charter 
for a local post, which was issued on August 1, 1919, beginning a 
century of service and support for Minnesota veterans, their families 
and the greater good of the surrounding North Saint Paul community.
  The newly formed American Legion Post 39 quickly found its focus 
serving the community by leading a Safety First Committee which worked 
with businesses to improve safety around crossing guards and signals at 
rail and street crossings. To honor and support their fellow veterans, 
another part of their mission was to support the Minneapolis and 
Hastings Veterans Homes, the Veterans Rest Camp and the Fort Snelling 
Rifle Squad. The post also made investments in America's future by 
sponsoring Boy's State, Legionville school patrol camp and providing 
college scholarships for local students, as well as their American 
Legion Baseball team the 39ers.
  Spouses, daughters and granddaughters of Post 39 have always been 
integral to the success of its work. Post 39 Auxiliary was formally 
chartered in May 1926 to work alongside the post and expand its 
community contributions, including support of Girls' State and Webster 
Elementary School. The auxiliary has also assisted important entities 
like the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans and the Veterans 
Administration Community Resource and Referral Center. The auxiliary 
has played a vital role in the success of the Post. As a life member of 
the Post 39 Auxiliary, I know firsthand the many contributions that the 
post makes to our veterans, our state and our nation.
  The sons and grandsons of veterans who comprise Squadron 39--Sons of 
the American Legion have supported among many programs the North St 
Paul Food Shelf, American Legion Baseball, the Silver Lake Splash and 
the Shop, Ship and Share program.
  Just last year, Post 39 was a key supporter of the American Legion 
National Convention, held in Minneapolis--which marked the start of the 
100th anniversary of the national organization. Through its support of 
the work and advocacy of the American Legion, Department of Minnesota 
as well as the National Organization, the North Saint Paul Post 39 
epitomizes the Four Pillars of the American Legion--Veterans Affairs 
and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children and 
Youth.
  Madam Speaker, as veterans, families and members of the area 
communities gather on August 3, 2019 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary 
of the founding of American Legion Post 39 of North Saint Paul, 
Minnesota please join me in honoring this major milestone and the 
generations of leaders and members of this veterans service 
organization.

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