[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 191 (Monday, November 9, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1007]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





IN RECOGNITION OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS 
                               POST 4639

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 9, 2020

  Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 75th 
Anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4639 in Williamsburg, 
Virginia. On November 16, 1945, 72 Veterans returning from World War II 
founded Post 4639, and this Post has honorably served the community 
ever since.
  Post 4639 is named in honor of Sergeant John Taylor Blacknall, Jr. 
and 1st Lieutenant Philip Sheridan Chess, Jr. who were both killed in 
action during World War II. Sergeant Blacknall, who was a soldier in 
the 116th Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division, was killed in action 
on June 6, 1944 at Basse-Normandie, France. 1st Lieutenant Chess was 
killed in action on July 17, 1944 at Villamagna, Volterra, Pisa, 
Toscana, Italy. I want to express my deepest gratitude to SGT Blacknall 
and 1LT Chess, and every American hero who has paid the ultimate price 
to service and protect our nation.
  The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is comprised of 
veterans that served in combat zones during our nation's wars who 
return to continue to serve our nation's communities. Post 4639 has 
been an All-American Veterans of Foreign Wars Post four times, and an 
All State Post eleven times.
  As the United States Representative for Virginia's First District, I 
am honored to work with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4639. I am 
particularly inspired by the dedication and hard work of Post 4639, and 
the commitment to their core values including, but not limited to: 
promoting patriotism, honoring military service, ensuring the care of 
Veterans and their families, and serving their communities. The service 
men and women at Post 4639 are true American heroes and serve as an 
example of what makes our nation special.
  Therefore, Madam Speaker, I ask that you rise with me to recognize 
the 75th Anniversary of The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4639. I am 
deeply grateful for the men and women not only who serve at Post 4639, 
but who dedicate their life to service for our great nation.

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