[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 10]
[House]
[Page 14392]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS ON 100 YEARS OF SERVICE TO 
                                VETERANS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Rothfus) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, we rise today to pay special tribute to the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars, also known as the VFW, on the 100th 
anniversary of its organization in September 1914. The Ladies Auxiliary 
of the Veterans of Foreign Wars was also organized in 1914.
  Over the past century, members of the VFW have worked tirelessly to 
ensure that veterans receive the respect, honor, and support they 
deserve. The VFW was formed when the American Veterans of Foreign 
Service and the National Society of the Army of the Philippines merged 
during a conference at the former Schenley Hotel, which is now the 
William Pitt Union at the University of Pittsburgh.
  A Pennsylvania Historic Society marker that sits between the Soldiers 
and Sailors Hall and the William Pitt Union commemorating the occasion 
reads:

       The Veterans of Foreign Wars organized September 14-17, 
     1914, at the former Schenley Hotel near here. Veterans who 
     had served in Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines and China 
     were among its founders.

  Since its founding, the VFW has done tremendous work to serve 
veterans and family members. The organization played a central role in 
the creation of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the GI 
Bill. In addition, the VFW helped spearhead the creation of the Vietnam 
War, Korean War, World War II, and Women in Military Service Memorials.
  It continues this legacy of service by helping veterans and their 
family members secure VA benefits, including disability claims and 
pensions. The VFW continues to play an important role as Iraq and 
Afghanistan veterans return home and adjust to civilian life.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join us in recognizing and 
expressing sincere gratitude for the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the 
important work they have done and continue to do to stand with those 
who have stood for us.

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