May 1, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 71 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E524]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN HONOR OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN LEGION IN NEW 
                               HAMPSHIRE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHRIS PAPPAS

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 1, 2019

  Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th 
anniversary of the American Legion Department of New Hampshire. On May 
5, 1919, the American Legion of War Veterans in New Hampshire held its 
first meeting when a group of 47 veterans of World War I convened at 
the state armory in Manchester. Within that first year alone, 69 
American Legion posts formed across the state--of those original posts, 
41 remain active and will also be celebrating their 100th anniversary 
this year.
  Over the last century, the American Legion in New Hampshire has 
remained committed to serving veterans, their families, and the state 
of New Hampshire. The American Legion is critical in ensuring that 
those who have sacrificed so much to our great nation are able to find 
the same sense of community and service when they return to civilian 
life. The sense of camaraderie fostered at the over 100 American Legion 
posts in New Hampshire and among the over 17,000 members in our state 
is truly unparalleled.
  Veterans and families who are part of the American Legion community 
share a common sense of service to our nation, and also forge deep 
bonds with their own communities. Legion posts and members are 
constantly giving back in myriad of ways, from sponsoring American 
Legion Baseball across the state, to supporting Operation Military 
Kids, which helps children impacted by deployment. American 
Legionnaires are not only active within their own communities but also 
on a larger scale as they advocate for the interests of veterans across 
our state and nation. I have had many productive conversations with 
Legionnaires whose knowledge, experience, and guidance have been 
instrumental as I advocate for the interests of our nation's veterans 
as a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
  On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional 
District, I want to congratulate the American Legion Department of New 
Hampshire on their 100th anniversary. Once again, I thank the American 
Legion for their century of commitment to serving veterans, their 
families, and the Granite State as a whole. I look forward to 
continuing to work alongside them to support our nation's veterans.

                          ____________________