[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 205 (Wednesday, December 18, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S7152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





               RECOGNIZING THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 100th 
anniversary of the American Legion Auxiliary. I appreciate the 
opportunity to speak about this esteemed organization and recognize 
their efforts supporting American servicemembers, veterans, and their 
families. The centennial celebration is a historic occasion for the 
State of Michigan, as well as the entire Nation.
  The American Legion Auxiliary was founded in 1919 to support the 
efforts of the men in the American Legion. The women of the Auxiliary 
saw an opportunity to embark on a mission of their own, to not only 
support active servicemembers and veterans of World War I but also 
their communities and families. This mission resonated among others and 
by November 1920, there were 1,342 Auxiliary units founded across 43 
States.
  During World War II, the Auxiliary jumped into action again to serve 
brave servicemembers joining the fight. They established scholarships 
for students to train as nurses and fulfill needs on the frontlines, 
donated six mobile blood units to the Red Cross, and established an 
Emergency Voluntary Committee to support the war effort. At the 
beginning of World War I, there were approximately 500,000 enrolled 
members. After World War II, membership rose rapidly and peaked in 1955 
with 1,001,545 members. Today, the American Legion Auxiliary consists 
of approximately 800,000 members who continue to support troops and 
veterans across the world in war and peacetime.
  Communities throughout the State of Michigan, as well as across the 
country, benefit from the Auxiliary's advocacy and outreach. This past 
year, their work has culminated into over 40 million volunteer hours 
and $37 million to charitable efforts across the United States. Their 
own charitable causes include Girls Nation and State, the Auxiliary 
Emergency Fund, and American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, as well 
as numerous scholarships and helping to fund veteran support services.
  In addition to philanthropic work, the Auxiliary has advocated for 
veterans' rights and increased support for those who have served our 
Nation. They have advocated for legislation such as the GI bill, 
legislation that would expand U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
benefits, and efforts to help end homelessness among veterans.
  It is my great pleasure to congratulate the American Legion Auxiliary 
on its centennial milestone and recognize the meaningful impact they 
continue to have in the State of Michigan and across our Nation. I ask 
my colleagues to join me in congratulating its members and their 
dedication to support servicemembers, veterans, and their families by 
promoting fellowship, patriotism, peace, and security throughout the 
world.

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