[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 19135-19136]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



CENTRAL NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES THE 55TH ANNIVERSARY OF FREEHOLD VFW POST 
                                 #4374

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 22, 2000

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 55th 
Anniversary of Freehold VFW Post #4374. This organization has made 
lasting contributions through hard work and dedication to those in 
need.
  The VFW is a patriotic organization devoted to serving the widows and 
orphans of the Veteran. The VFW promotes the institutions of freedom 
and democracy, to preserve and defend the constitution of the United 
States of America. The Veterans of Foreign Wars was formed after World 
War One and continues to maintain a strong presence today.
  Freehold's VFW Post #4374 first opened its doors in 1945 under the 
watchful eye of its first elected Commander, Francis Vanderveer. 
Commander Vanderveer lead Post #4374 until 1947.
  The VFW Post #4347 first held its gatherings for Freehold area 
veterans in a meeting hall space borrowed from the Knights of Columbus. 
Then, in the 1960's, construction began on the present Post Home on 
Waterworks Road, where they continue to serve the community.

[[Page 19136]]

  Since its inception, Post #4347 members have canvassed the Freehold 
area for needy families during the holiday season. Last December, like 
many before it, they held a Christmas party for nearly 100 needy kids, 
kids who otherwise would have no holiday celebration.
  As extraordinary as this effort was, it was just one of many times 
that VFW Post #4347 has worked on behalf of those in need. Throughout 
the years, VFW Post #4347 has gone the extra mile to take care of not 
only our veterans, but also our community.
  Freehold VFW Post #4347 is a great asset to both Central New Jersey 
and our nation. I urge all my colleagues to join me today in 
recognizing its dedication to our veterans, community service and 
Central New Jersey.

                          ____________________