Supporting the goals and ideals of American Legion Day.

Mr. Speaker, I was privileged to introduce House Resolution 679, supporting the goals and ideals of the American Legion Day on September 16.

This resolution helps to honor the service and the sacrifice of the nearly 3 million members, men and women, in nearly 15,000 American Legion posts worldwide.

On September 16, 1919, the American Legion was granted their Federal charter by Congress, and 90 years later they have kept their commitment to serve not only as a resource and a voice on behalf of veterans across America, but also as an organization dedicated to the betterment of America through community service.

Since their founding charter, the American Legion has not wavered from the guiding principles and vision that can be found in their four pillars of service.

The first pillar is a steadfast commitment to ensure that America has the best fighting force in the world. Towards this end, the Legion has been a tireless advocate on behalf of the American soldier to make sure that they have the resources and the tools they need in order to do their job.

The second pillar is making sure that we proudly care for our veterans. And whether it is providing one-on-one assistance to veterans through what can be the confusing and frustrating experience of filing for a disability claim or walking the halls of Congress to educate Members like myself on the legislative issues that are important to our veterans, they do an excellent job. The original GI Bill, for example, helped set the standard for the benefits that we provide to veterans and was spearheaded by the Legion.

The American Legion has been there for our veterans for over 90 years,

standing up to serve those who have served.

Caring for our youth is the third pillar in the American Legion vision. The Special Olympics, the Children's Miracle Network, the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, the American Legion Family Support Network, those are just a short list of the programs that the Legion supports. This is a testament to their belief that taking care of children in America, not just veterans' children, is something that makes our country stronger.

The final pillar comes from the understanding of the word ``patriot.'' Having fought for and defended our freedom, Legionnaires know firsthand that being a patriot means you must take action to preserve America. They know that being a patriot means not just defending our freedoms, but also defending our heritage, culture, and our flag. This pillar has been the foundation for the Legion's support of programs that instill American values in our youth. From Boy Scouts to Boys State, they've been there setting the course for millions of American children as they learn what it means to be an American and why it's so important to preserve our country.

The commitment to the four pillars of service has been the cornerstone of the American Legion ideals and their successes. It serves as a model that all Americans can use to better themselves and to better America. And it has, without question, helped make the country even greater. Millions of Americans have been encouraged, supported, and inspired by Legion programs, and this resolution is just a small way to say thank you.

I would also like to take a moment to recognize and thank the American Legion Auxiliary. Also formed in 1919, the Auxiliary has shown the same devotion to our veterans and our community, and they too deserve to be recognized.

Finally, I would like to congratulate Commander Clarence Hill for his recent election as National Commander. I appreciate his 24 years of service to our Nation in the U.S. Navy and wish him the best of luck during his tenure as Commander.

H. Res. 679 helps to recognize this extraordinary organization whose members have not only fought to protect our country, but chose to continue to serve long after their military service has ended.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strongest support for H. Res. 679, a bill that recognizes American Legion Day and commends the exemplary service of the veterans of the United States Armed Services. The American Legion was granted a charter by this body on September 16, 1919, and since that time the Legion has remained active on the local, state, and national level as a volunteer service organization for our nation's veterans.

Today, it is an honor to express my deep sense of gratitude to the thousands of veterans who are members of the American Legion. The American Legion provides many volunteer opportunities for our nation's troops when they retire from the Armed Services. Some of these include donating millions of man hours to the medical facilities of the Veterans Administration, sponsoring Boy Scouts of America troops all around the country, and awarding millions of dollars for college scholarships. These incredible volunteers give back to the very communities that they have already sacrificed so much for throughout their careers.

Community involvement is only one aspect of the American Legion. These Legionnaires also provide an extraordinary amount of support for troops returning from war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Legion Posts all around the nation have been involved with providing financial assistance to veterans displaced by natural disasters or families of veterans that are struggling to pay for basic needs such as housing. The American Legion has a Family Support Network that provides much needed assistance to families of members of the Armed Services, and the organization focuses on reintegrating troops returning from deployment into the workforce in the United States.

It is appropriate that we take a moment to recognize and say thank you to the active duty members of our Armed Forces for their dedication, sacrifice, and honor. Each and every day, they keep this great nation safe and protect the freedoms that we enjoy. We are proud of all of our servicemen and women and are eternally grateful for their efforts in the Global War on Terror. Furthermore, let us not forgot those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and let us say a gracious thank you to them for their willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for liberty.

The families of those who serve our country on the front lines also deserve the admiration and appreciation of each and every citizen. These family members often watch their loved ones travel to far away lands in support of a cause and an ideal so much greater than any one individual. Indeed, our democratic form of government is a testament to the courage and valor of our Armed Forces. The support given to our servicemen and women by their loved ones is irreplaceable, as it is the foundation for the bravery inherent in those who labor steadfastly in the defense of liberty.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that the brave men and women who sacrifice-- and have sacrificed in the past--for our present freedoms deserve our fullest support. Our nation's servicemen and women represent the best our country has to offer, and they must be treated with the respect and honor they deserve. Recognizing American Legion Day in 2009 is just one small reminder of the invaluable contributions made by our troops at home and abroad, and it is my hope that we will continue to do all we can and more for the veterans of our Armed Forces. The American Legion is an exceptional organization for veterans and communities all around the nation, and we now reaffirm our commitment to these heroes by recognizing this day.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 679, Supporting the goals and Ideals of American Legion Day.

The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, war-time veteran's organization, devoted to mutual helpfulness.

The American Legion has been a guardian of our national ensign, and the first ``Flag Code'' was drafted during a conference called by The American Legion in Washington, D.C. The code eventually was adopted by Congress in 1942. And today, the Legion is at the forefront of efforts to gain a constitutional amendment to protect the American flag from physical desecration.

The American Legion's voice has been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, then later advocated for it to become a cabinet level department, creating a GI bill, and fighting for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome.

The American Legion became the largest single contributor to the ``Vietnam Wall'' in Washington, DC--its members collectively donated $1 Million dollars.

And today, the American Legion is a strong advocate for today's servicemen and women returning from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan--assisting combat wounded veterans receive compensation for their injuries and helping to create a 21st Century GI Bill.

The reason that we are free today is because brave men and women have answered our Nation's call in our time of need. They have sweated, bled and sacrificed for our freedom.

And as it is written on the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C, freedom isn't free--the cost is readily apparent in the rows of crosses in Arlington, where many generations of American warriors have been laid to rest.

We owe our veterans a debt that can never be fully repaid, but I personally want to thank them for your service and sacrifice. I will continue to work to ensure that our veterans get the care, help, and benefits they so richly deserve.

Let us remember our obligations to our Nation's veterans, as Abraham Lincoln said in his Second Inaugural Address, ``to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan.''

The American Legion has been there for our Nation's veterans for over 90 years, and I'm proud to support this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise to urge passage of this resolution supporting the goals and ideals of American Legion Day.

``For God and country.'' These four words eulogize and introduce the preamble of the American Legion's constitution, which has been recited by its members at every meeting in its 90-year history.

The history of the American Legion began when it was established as a mutual aid veterans' organization in September 1919. The organization is a congressionally chartered organization and was established so that returning soldiers of World War I would not suffer the same hardships that those from other wars had endured.

Mr. Speaker, they have grown far beyond that original charter, and today they represent a consolidated organization that looks after veterans from all wars and issues that are so important. Through thick and thin, through popular and unpopular wars, they stay out of the politics of the day and focus on the veterans of yesterday.

So, Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise with the chairman to support this, because the American Legion, in its work in supporting not only veterans, but also youth organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Boys State, Boys Nation, and others, puts together the veterans of yesterday with the youth and future of tomorrow. That is an important issue and one that I think all of us can appreciate.

We have all seen it. Not one Member of Congress can say that they haven't been touched and they haven't seen the work done by the American Legion in their district.

I urge strong support for this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite).

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to support H. Res. 679, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of American Legion Day.

The American Legion is our nation's largest and oldest veterans' organization, and has been a steadfast supporter of our Armed Forces and veterans since Congress issued the venerable organization a federal charter on September 16, 1919.

The American Legion has always proven itself to be a tremendous national asset that stands by our troops and veterans. The stalwart patriotism, leadership, and faith in our great country of its 2.7 million members are most commendable.

Having grown up in a Legion family, I know firsthand the commendable programs and services The American Legion provides to veterans and communities. My mother is a former Auxiliary President for the Department of Indiana, so I am especially appreciative of the dedication and devotion of the members of The American Legion and its Auxiliary. They have raised millions of dollars for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund to help fund the education of children who have lost a parent in our nation's service.

Another program, Heroes to Hometowns, works as part of the government's seamless transition effort to coordinate with the communities to ensure returning heroes and their families have the resources needed for a successful transition. The American Legion family also has over 6,000 volunteers that provide countless hours of services each year to their fellow veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I offer my full and heartfelt support for this resolution to support the goals and ideals of American Legion Day and to call upon the people of the United States to observe American Legion Day with appropriate programs and activities.