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[Page S7152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 100th
anniversary of the American Legion Auxiliary. I appreciate the
opportunity to speak about this esteemed organization and recognize
their efforts supporting American servicemembers, veterans, and their
families. The centennial celebration is a historic occasion for the
State of Michigan, as well as the entire Nation.
The American Legion Auxiliary was founded in 1919 to support the
efforts of the men in the American Legion. The women of the Auxiliary
saw an opportunity to embark on a mission of their own, to not only
support active servicemembers and veterans of World War I but also
their communities and families. This mission resonated among others and
by November 1920, there were 1,342 Auxiliary units founded across 43
States.
During World War II, the Auxiliary jumped into action again to serve
brave servicemembers joining the fight. They established scholarships
for students to train as nurses and fulfill needs on the frontlines,
donated six mobile blood units to the Red Cross, and established an
Emergency Voluntary Committee to support the war effort. At the
beginning of World War I, there were approximately 500,000 enrolled
members. After World War II, membership rose rapidly and peaked in 1955
with 1,001,545 members. Today, the American Legion Auxiliary consists
of approximately 800,000 members who continue to support troops and
veterans across the world in war and peacetime.
Communities throughout the State of Michigan, as well as across the
country, benefit from the Auxiliary's advocacy and outreach. This past
year, their work has culminated into over 40 million volunteer hours
and $37 million to charitable efforts across the United States. Their
own charitable causes include Girls Nation and State, the Auxiliary
Emergency Fund, and American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, as well
as numerous scholarships and helping to fund veteran support services.
In addition to philanthropic work, the Auxiliary has advocated for
veterans' rights and increased support for those who have served our
Nation. They have advocated for legislation such as the GI bill,
legislation that would expand U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
benefits, and efforts to help end homelessness among veterans.
It is my great pleasure to congratulate the American Legion Auxiliary
on its centennial milestone and recognize the meaningful impact they
continue to have in the State of Michigan and across our Nation. I ask
my colleagues to join me in congratulating its members and their
dedication to support servicemembers, veterans, and their families by
promoting fellowship, patriotism, peace, and security throughout the
world.
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