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[Pages S5055-S5056]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN LEGION
Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 100th
anniversary of the American Legion. I appreciate the opportunity to
speak about this truly significant milestone in the history of our
veterans and this organization. The centennial celebration is a
historical benchmark for the State of Michigan, as well as the entire
Nation.
Established in 1919 in Paris, France, the American Legion was founded
to bolster the morale of American troops as they awaited their return
home as recently discharged combat veterans following the Great War. In
September of the same year, the American Legion was federally chartered
by Congress. By November 1919, the American Legion had 2,500 paid
members and hosted its first national convention in Indianapolis, which
then became the permanent home of the American Legion National
Headquarters.
With local posts in each State, various territories, and overseas,
the American Legion is our Nation's largest wartime Veterans' service
organization. The Legion embodies its commitment of upholding the
Constitution of the United States of America and promoting peace and
goodwill through its volunteerism in the communities it represents.
The Legion's grassroots involvement has shaped legislation at all
levels of government. Within its inaugural year, Legionnaires across
the country advocated for better conditions for disabled veterans in
Washington, DC. Within a week, Congress passed the Sweet Bill which
included provisions that would more than double the compensation
disabled veterans were receiving at the time. In 1921, The American
Legion claimed another legislative victory with the consolidation of
three Federal agencies into the Veterans Bureau, which would later
become the Veterans Administration.
The American Legion created various organizations to support the
Nation's veterans and youth, including the Veterans and Children
Foundation and Sons of the American Legion. Since its creation in 1924,
the foundation has given over $30 million in financial assistance for
disabled veterans and military families. Through scholarships and
programming, the Legion also invests in the future of our Nation's
youth.
Today, with 386 posts in Michigan and more than 12,000 posts
nationwide with nearly 2 million members, the American Legion continues
to grow to support the needs of today's veterans. Whether it is
drafting the first version of the GI Bill, organizing our flag code, or
donating to the construction of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in
Washington, DC, the Legion has been at the forefront of monumental
changes to our military and veterans policy and overall patriotism.
It is my great pleasure to congratulate the American Legion on the
lasting impact it has made throughout our Nation's history and for the
work it continues to do. As the American Legion celebrates this
centennial milestone, I ask all my colleagues to join
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me in congratulating its members its growth and prosperity in the years
ahead.
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