[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[House]
[Pages 21638-21641]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     SUPPORTING AMERICAN LEGION DAY

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 679) supporting the goals and ideals of American 
Legion Day.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 679

       Whereas, on September 16, 1919, Congress issued the 
     American Legion a Federal charter;
       Whereas the American Legion, a veterans service 
     organization, remains active at the national, State, and 
     local levels;
       Whereas American Legion members, known as Legionnaires, 
     donate millions of volunteer hours in Department of Veterans 
     Affairs medical facilities and State veterans homes;
       Whereas the American Legion sponsors and supports a number 
     of activities for children and youth, including the National 
     Oratorical Contest, Boy Scouts, American Legion Baseball, 
     Boys State, and Boys Nation;
       Whereas the American Legion awards millions of dollars in 
     college scholarships;
       Whereas the American Legion National Emergency Fund 
     provides financial assistance to Legionnaires who are 
     displaced by natural disasters;
       Whereas the American Legion Family Support Network provides 
     assistance to members of the Armed Forces and their families;
       Whereas the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation has 
     provided millions of dollars for programs focused on 
     America's children and youth, such as the Special Olympics 
     and the Children's Miracle Network;
       Whereas the American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance 
     program provides grants to veterans who have children and who 
     are experiencing financial hardships;
       Whereas the American Legion remains a steadfast supporter 
     of a strong national defense;
       Whereas the American Legion supports maintaining a viable 
     but principled foreign affairs agenda;
       Whereas the American Legion is a staunch advocate for the 
     principal missions of the Department of Veterans Affairs;
       Whereas the American Legion played a principal role in the 
     drafting of the Serviceman's Readjustment Act of 1944, also 
     known as the G.I. Bill of Rights;
       Whereas the American Legion supports employment programs 
     and opportunities for veterans;
       Whereas Legionnaires believe a veteran's service to the 
     United States goes on long

[[Page 21639]]

     after the veteran is discharged from the Armed Forces; and
       Whereas many Americans recognize September 16 of each year 
     as American Legion Day: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of American Legion Day; 
     and
       (2) calls upon the people of the United States to observe 
     American Legion Day with appropriate programs and activities.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Towns) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) each will 
control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.


                             General Leave

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.

                              {time}  1330

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise in support of H. Res. 679, supporting the goals and ideals of 
American Legion Day, celebrated each year on September 16. This 
resolution expresses this Chamber's commitment to this important 
veterans' service group.
  The American Legion has nearly 3 million members across the country 
and worldwide, and of course I think that is so significant.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise to urge passage of this resolution supporting the goals and 
ideals of American Legion Day.
  ``For God and country.'' These four words eulogize and introduce the 
preamble of the American Legion's constitution, which has been recited 
by its members at every meeting in its 90-year history.
  The history of the American Legion began when it was established as a 
mutual aid veterans' organization in September 1919. The organization 
is a congressionally chartered organization and was established so that 
returning soldiers of World War I would not suffer the same hardships 
that those from other wars had endured.
  Mr. Speaker, they have grown far beyond that original charter, and 
today they represent a consolidated organization that looks after 
veterans from all wars and issues that are so important. Through thick 
and thin, through popular and unpopular wars, they stay out of the 
politics of the day and focus on the veterans of yesterday.
  So, Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise with the chairman to support this, 
because the American Legion, in its work in supporting not only 
veterans, but also youth organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Boys 
State, Boys Nation, and others, puts together the veterans of yesterday 
with the youth and future of tomorrow. That is an important issue and 
one that I think all of us can appreciate.
  We have all seen it. Not one Member of Congress can say that they 
haven't been touched and they haven't seen the work done by the 
American Legion in their district.
  I urge strong support for this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Illinois, Congresswoman Halvorson.
  Mrs. HALVORSON. Mr. Speaker, I was privileged to introduce House 
Resolution 679, supporting the goals and ideals of the American Legion 
Day on September 16.
  This resolution helps to honor the service and the sacrifice of the 
nearly 3 million members, men and women, in nearly 15,000 American 
Legion posts worldwide.
  On September 16, 1919, the American Legion was granted their Federal 
charter by Congress, and 90 years later they have kept their commitment 
to serve not only as a resource and a voice on behalf of veterans 
across America, but also as an organization dedicated to the betterment 
of America through community service.
  Since their founding charter, the American Legion has not wavered 
from the guiding principles and vision that can be found in their four 
pillars of service.
  The first pillar is a steadfast commitment to ensure that America has 
the best fighting force in the world. Towards this end, the Legion has 
been a tireless advocate on behalf of the American soldier to make sure 
that they have the resources and the tools they need in order to do 
their job.
  The second pillar is making sure that we proudly care for our 
veterans. And whether it is providing one-on-one assistance to veterans 
through what can be the confusing and frustrating experience of filing 
for a disability claim or walking the halls of Congress to educate 
Members like myself on the legislative issues that are important to our 
veterans, they do an excellent job. The original GI Bill, for example, 
helped set the standard for the benefits that we provide to veterans 
and was spearheaded by the Legion.
  The American Legion has been there for our veterans for over 90 
years, standing up to serve those who have served.
  Caring for our youth is the third pillar in the American Legion 
vision. The Special Olympics, the Children's Miracle Network, the 
American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, the American Legion Family 
Support Network, those are just a short list of the programs that the 
Legion supports. This is a testament to their belief that taking care 
of children in America, not just veterans' children, is something that 
makes our country stronger.
  The final pillar comes from the understanding of the word 
``patriot.'' Having fought for and defended our freedom, Legionnaires 
know firsthand that being a patriot means you must take action to 
preserve America. They know that being a patriot means not just 
defending our freedoms, but also defending our heritage, culture, and 
our flag. This pillar has been the foundation for the Legion's support 
of programs that instill American values in our youth. From Boy Scouts 
to Boys State, they've been there setting the course for millions of 
American children as they learn what it means to be an American and why 
it's so important to preserve our country.
  The commitment to the four pillars of service has been the 
cornerstone of the American Legion ideals and their successes. It 
serves as a model that all Americans can use to better themselves and 
to better America. And it has, without question, helped make the 
country even greater. Millions of Americans have been encouraged, 
supported, and inspired by Legion programs, and this resolution is just 
a small way to say thank you.
  I would also like to take a moment to recognize and thank the 
American Legion Auxiliary. Also formed in 1919, the Auxiliary has shown 
the same devotion to our veterans and our community, and they too 
deserve to be recognized.
  Finally, I would like to congratulate Commander Clarence Hill for his 
recent election as National Commander. I appreciate his 24 years of 
service to our Nation in the U.S. Navy and wish him the best of luck 
during his tenure as Commander.
  H. Res. 679 helps to recognize this extraordinary organization whose 
members have not only fought to protect our country, but chose to 
continue to serve long after their military service has ended.
  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from 
Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite).
  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
support the goals and ideals of American Legion Day.
  Tomorrow, September 16, marks the 90th anniversary of the American 
Legion's charter. The American Legion was founded to serve the needs of 
America's veterans and to promote and protect the rights of those 
veterans. Ninety years later, the American Legion remains committed to 
its mission to instill ``a sense of individual obligation to the 
community, State and Nation.''

[[Page 21640]]

  The Legion's nearly 3 million members have given generously of their 
time in each and every one of our communities. Be it volunteering in 
veterans hospitals, awarding millions of dollars in college 
scholarships, or sponsoring activities like Boys and Girls State, 
Legionnaires continue to devote themselves to the ideal of ``mutual 
helpfulness.''
  I am so proud to have the highest number of veterans of any Member of 
Congress. And as I travel throughout Florida's Fifth Congressional 
District, I get to see firsthand how the American Legion and the 
American Legion Auxiliary and their members affect the lives of 
veterans and their local communities.
  Today, I am especially pleased that for the first time a Florida 
veteran has been elected National Commander of the American Legion. I 
am proud to congratulate Commander Clarence Hill on his achievement and 
wish him the very best as he leads the American Legion into what I'm 
positive will be another wonderful 90 years.
  I would also like to thank Representative Halvorson for introducing 
this resolution. And I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting 
the American Legion and recognizing September 16 of each year as 
American Legion Day.
  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I would like to thank Representative Halvorson for introducing this 
bill, as well as the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa), the ranking 
member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for helping 
us bring this measure to the floor. And I also want to thank the staff 
and all the people that have worked to make this a reality.
  Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to support H. Res. 679, a 
resolution supporting the goals and ideals of American Legion Day.
  The American Legion is our nation's largest and oldest veterans' 
organization, and has been a steadfast supporter of our Armed Forces 
and veterans since Congress issued the venerable organization a federal 
charter on September 16, 1919.
  The American Legion has always proven itself to be a tremendous 
national asset that stands by our troops and veterans. The stalwart 
patriotism, leadership, and faith in our great country of its 2.7 
million members are most commendable.
  Having grown up in a Legion family, I know firsthand the commendable 
programs and services The American Legion provides to veterans and 
communities. My mother is a former Auxiliary President for the 
Department of Indiana, so I am especially appreciative of the 
dedication and devotion of the members of The American Legion and its 
Auxiliary. They have raised millions of dollars for the American Legion 
Legacy Scholarship Fund to help fund the education of children who have 
lost a parent in our nation's service.
  Another program, Heroes to Hometowns, works as part of the 
government's seamless transition effort to coordinate with the 
communities to ensure returning heroes and their families have the 
resources needed for a successful transition. The American Legion 
family also has over 6,000 volunteers that provide countless hours of 
services each year to their fellow veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, I offer my full and heartfelt support for this 
resolution to support the goals and ideals of American Legion Day and 
to call upon the people of the United States to observe American Legion 
Day with appropriate programs and activities.
  Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my 
strongest support for H. Res. 679, a bill that recognizes American 
Legion Day and commends the exemplary service of the veterans of the 
United States Armed Services. The American Legion was granted a charter 
by this body on September 16, 1919, and since that time the Legion has 
remained active on the local, state, and national level as a volunteer 
service organization for our nation's veterans.
  Today, it is an honor to express my deep sense of gratitude to the 
thousands of veterans who are members of the American Legion. The 
American Legion provides many volunteer opportunities for our nation's 
troops when they retire from the Armed Services. Some of these include 
donating millions of man hours to the medical facilities of the 
Veterans Administration, sponsoring Boy Scouts of America troops all 
around the country, and awarding millions of dollars for college 
scholarships. These incredible volunteers give back to the very 
communities that they have already sacrificed so much for throughout 
their careers.
  Community involvement is only one aspect of the American Legion. 
These Legionnaires also provide an extraordinary amount of support for 
troops returning from war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Legion Posts all 
around the nation have been involved with providing financial 
assistance to veterans displaced by natural disasters or families of 
veterans that are struggling to pay for basic needs such as housing. 
The American Legion has a Family Support Network that provides much 
needed assistance to families of members of the Armed Services, and the 
organization focuses on reintegrating troops returning from deployment 
into the workforce in the United States.
  It is appropriate that we take a moment to recognize and say thank 
you to the active duty members of our Armed Forces for their 
dedication, sacrifice, and honor. Each and every day, they keep this 
great nation safe and protect the freedoms that we enjoy. We are proud 
of all of our service men and women and are eternally grateful for 
their efforts in the Global War on Terror. Furthermore, let us not 
forget those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and let us say a 
gracious thank you to them for their willingness to make the ultimate 
sacrifice for liberty.
  The families of those who serve our country on the front lines also 
deserve the admiration and appreciation of each and every citizen. 
These family members often watch their loved ones travel to far away 
lands in support of a cause and an ideal so much greater than any one 
individual. Indeed, our democratic form of government is a testament to 
the courage and valor of our Armed Forces. The support given to our 
service men and women by their loved ones is irreplaceable, as it is 
the foundation for the bravery inherent in those who labor steadfastly 
in the defense of liberty.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that the brave men and women who sacrifice--
and have sacrificed in the past--for our present freedoms deserve our 
fullest support. Our nation's service men and women represent the best 
our country has to offer, and they must be treated with the respect and 
honor they deserve. Recognizing American Legion Day in 2009 is just one 
small reminder of the invaluable contributions made by our troops at 
home and abroad, and it is my hope that we will continue to do all we 
can and more for the veterans of our Armed Forces. The American Legion 
is an exceptional organization for veterans and communities all around 
the nation, and we now reaffirm our commitment to these heroes by 
recognizing this day.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Res. 679, Supporting the goals and Ideals of American Legion Day.
  The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, 
war-time veteran's organization, devoted to mutual helpfulness.
  The American Legion has been a guardian of our national ensign, and 
the first ``Flag Code'' was drafted during a conference called by The 
American Legion in Washington, D.C. The code eventually was adopted by 
Congress in 1942. And today, the Legion is at the forefront of efforts 
to gain a constitutional amendment to protect the American flag from 
physical desecration.
  The American Legion's voice has been instrumental in establishing the 
Veterans Administration, then later advocated for it to become a 
cabinet level department, creating a GI bill, and fighting for 
compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans 
diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome.
  The American Legion became the largest single contributor to the 
``Vietnam Wall'' in Washington, DC--its members collectively donated $1 
Million dollars.
  And today, the American Legion is a strong advocate for today's 
servicemen and women returning from the battlefields of Iraq and 
Afghanistan--assisting combat wounded veterans receive compensation for 
their injuries and helping to create a 21st Century GI Bill.
  The reason that we are free today is because brave men and women have 
answered our Nation's call in our time of need. They have sweated, bled 
and sacrificed for our freedom.
  And as it is written on the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C, 
freedom isn't free--the cost is readily apparent in the rows of crosses 
in Arlington, where many generations of American warriors have been 
laid to rest.
  We owe our veterans a debt that can never be fully repaid, but I 
personally want to thank

[[Page 21641]]

them for your service and sacrifice. I will continue to work to ensure 
that our veterans get the care, help, and benefits they so richly 
deserve.
  Let us remember our obligations to our Nation's veterans, as Abraham 
Lincoln said in his Second Inaugural Address, ``to care for him who 
shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan.''
  The American Legion has been there for our Nation's veterans for over 
90 years, and I'm proud to support this resolution, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Towns) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 679.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________