[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 21157-21158]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



  IN HONOR OF THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 451 OF 
                           ROCKY RIVER, OHIO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 8, 1999

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the 
Henry J. Morgan Post 451, American Legion of Rocky River, Ohio on its 
65th charter anniversary. The Post will mark its anniversary with a 
dinner on September 11, 1999. I am honored to have been asked to attend 
and participate in this event.
  The Post traces its roots back to September 11, 1934 when the 
organization became officially chartered. The following year the Post 
joined efforts with the Alcorn Camp of United Spanish War Veterans and 
launched a program to decorate the graves of veterans with flowers and 
flags. Delegates from the Post continued this tradition of cooperation 
among veterans associations by forming a Joint Veterans Council for the 
City of Lakewood and its vicinity in 1936.

[[Page 21158]]

  During WWII, the Post was active in promoting a flag program and 
displaying flags throughout the community. Members showed their 
continuing patriotism by serving as Auxiliary Police, Boy Scout leaders 
and organizing the Rocky River High School Cadet Drill Corps. Following 
the war, activities were held in conjunction with other veterans 
organizations to benefit the Marine Hospital. In addition, recreational 
activities such as legion baseball and bowling teams were coordinated 
for veterans.
  Currently the Post has 300 members and continues to grow and attract 
new members through its active participation in community projects. 
Post 451 has always placed greater emphasis on community service, 
especially in the areas of youth and veterans. The group currently 
works with local school systems on flag education, the Americanism 
test, and the Legion Oratorial Contest. In addition, the post sponsors 
high school students to attend Boys State in Columbus, Ohio, where they 
learn about government.
  The organization supports the academic achievement of local students 
and is in its 5th year of sponsoring a $10,000 scholarship program for 
Rocky River High School, awarding the top 100 students with a $100 
scholarship. The Legion is also active in the Gifts for Yanks program, 
which provides Christmas gifts to patients in veterans hospitals.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute the members of the Rocky River Post No. 451 for 
bravely serving their country and continuing to serve their community.

                          ____________________