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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING AMERICAN LEGION POST 159
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HON. BILL FLORES
of texas
in the house of representatives
Monday, March 11, 2019
Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize American Legion
Earl Graham Post 159 for the 100th anniversary of their organization.
The American Legion was founded on March 15, 1919 at the American
Club in Paris by members of the American Expeditionary Forces. The
organization was chartered by Congress on September 16, 1919 as a
patriotic veteran organization.
American Legion Post 159 was also first organized in Brazos County in
1919 and invitations to join were published in the Bryan Eagle
newspaper beginning on February 6, 1920. The post was formally
chartered in Bryan, Texas on February 13, 1920.
Post 159 is named in honor of 1st Lieutenant Cyrus Earl Graham, a
member of the Texas A&M Class of 1916 who served in the Army Air Corps
during World War I.
Lieutenant Graham was born in Brazos County and attended Texas A&M
where he was a member of the Ross Volunteers, and graduated with a
Bachelor of Science degree. He volunteered for service in the Army Air
Corps and died in a plane crash in France in 1918, two days before the
Armistice ending the war. Several years later, his remains were
returned to the United States and he was buried in the Bryan City
Cemetery. Every November 9th, the Post 159 Honor Guard pays their
respect to his memory at a ceremony at his gravesite.
Since its inception, American Legion Post 159 has been a service and
community minded organization. Post 159 committed 10,000 dollars to the
Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial to assist with the creation of a
permanent World War I memorial in Veterans Park. Every month the Post
sends 10 to 15 care boxes to active duty service members who are
overseas. They provide emergency financial assistance to veterans in
need, sponsor a veteran's resource fair, and host a weekly coffee for
our community's veterans. Post 159's Honor Guard also provides services
including a rifle salute and the playing of TAPS for over 70 veteran
funerals each year.
Additionally, Post 159, and its Auxiliary, sponsor at least 20 high
school seniors yearly to the American Legion's Boys and Girls State
conference. They also sponsor Boy Scout Troop 159 and the Junior
Shooting Sports Program.
Madam Speaker, American Legion Earl Graham Post 159 has had a deep
impact in the Brazos Valley since their organization in 1919. Their
service to current members of the armed forces, veterans, and youth of
the community cannot be overstated.
I have requested that a United States flag be flown over our Nation's
Capitol to honor the work and legacy of Earl Graham Post 159 and its
members.
As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our
country, for our veterans, for our military men and women who protect
us, and for our first responders who keep us safe at home.
____________________