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[Pages S1758-S1759]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
The American Legion's Centennial
Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, the American Legion, the Nation's largest
wartime veterans service organization, is celebrating its centennial
this year. I rise today to recognize this milestone.
For the past 100 years, the American Legion has been a leading
advocate for veterans and their families. The Legion has played a role
in crafting legislation, shaping policies, expanding services, and
creating generations of civic-minded Americans.
Founded in Paris following World War I, the American Legion was
officially chartered by Congress on September 16, 1919. Since its
founding, Legionnaires have proudly worked to strengthen our country
and our communities, while upholding the promise our country made to
those who have worn our Nation's uniform.
The list of achievements that the Legion has helped fight for is long
and includes the creation of the U.S. Veterans' Bureau in 1924, the
forerunner of the Veterans' Administration. Decades later, the Legion
was active in elevating to Cabinet-level status the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs.
Following the American Legion's lead, Congress adopted a flag code to
formally lay out the protocol for carrying and displaying our Nation's
banner. The Legion continues to actively support the constitutional
amendment to protect the American flag from desecration.
During World War II, the American Legion drafted legislation that
would become the GI bill. Legionnaires were instrumental in securing
passage of this landmark legislation that helped returning troops
further their education, buy houses, and start businesses. It also
established hiring privileges for veterans.
The Legion continues its strong advocacy for improving these and
other benefits. Its efforts were vital in the passage of the Post-9/11
GI bill and the enhancement measure passed in 2017, which bears the
name of a former American Legion commander, the Harry W. Colmery
Veterans Educational Assistance Act.
After a century of service, Legionnaires remain just as committed to
advocating on behalf of our veterans today.
Last month, I met with members of the American Legion Department of
Arkansas who were visiting the Nation's Capital to voice their support
for the organization's 2019 priorities. This includes supporting the
VA's efforts to reduce veteran suicides, improving healthcare for women
veterans, fighting veteran homelessness, ensuring GI bill benefits, and
ensuring benefits to veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange. I am
optimistic about the progress we will make on these important issues
because of the excellent and active work of the American Legion
Department of Arkansas, which has more than 10,000 members in nearly
150 posts throughout the State.
The Arkansas Department of the American Legion was incorporated on
May 12, 1919. National headquarters records show it was the first
incorporation of the organization in the United States. There is a
proud history of involvement in all corners of the State, ranging from
the annual fallen heroes ceremony to the Law Enforcement Officer of the
Year program.
I have had the privilege of participating in Legion events around the
State, including honoring the Arkansans who paid the ultimate
sacrifice, celebrating the milestones of the posts, and recognizing
young Arkansans who have been distinguished by Legionnaires. The Legion
rightfully prides itself as being actively involved in the community
and teaching Arkansas youth how to be good citizens. Through a variety
of programs and activities--Boys and Girls State Programs, support of
the Boy Scouts of America, and the American Legion Baseball Program, to
name a few--it encourages fostering a dedication to civic
responsibility, promoting American values, and serving others.
For 100 years, the American Legion has worked tirelessly to improve
the lives of veterans and their families. In honor of their centennial,
Congress approved minting a coin to recognize its milestone. I was a
proud cosponsor of the bill and support its passage to commemorate the
legacy of the American Legion and the thousands of men and women who
have supported its mission and upheld the four pillars of its founding:
veterans affairs and rehabilitation,
[[Page S1759]]
national security, Americanism, and children and youth.
As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I have seen up
close Legionnaires' and the American Legion Auxiliary's dedication and
the results their efforts have produced in Arkansas and across our
entire country. I am proud to recognize the American Legion on its 100
years of advocacy and celebrate this century of service with the 2
million members who are making a difference each day as Legionnaires.
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