HONORING THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES AERIE #1801 -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 08, 2008)
SPEECH OF
HON. BILL SHUSTER
OF PENNSYLVANIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2008
* Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I offer my congratulations to the members and leadership of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1801 in Somerset, Pennsylvania, who will celebrate their 100th anniversary on July 30, 2008.
* Originally founded in 1898 by a group of theatre owners, the Fraternal Order of Eagles was created to act as a social haven for the like-minded. As the Fraternal Order of Eagles spread throughout the United States, they sought, as they continue to do so today, to establish a fraternal system to encourage and provide assistance to members and their families through a system of mutual insurance which provided death benefits. In 1908, the citizens of Somerset organized the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1801. Over the past one hundred years Aerie #1801 has focused on achieving their original objective, to ``make human life more desirable by lessening its ills and promoting peace, prosperity, gladness, and hope.'' They have truly succeeded in their quest.
* Throughout its history, the Fraternal Order of Eagles has sought to leave a truly memorable past on the pages of history. Not only does the Eagles' historical participation consist of seven U.S. presidents, including Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, but they have also been incredibly charitable. Across the United States the Eagles donate more than $100 million every year to charities. Members of Aerie #1801 lift up their community as well as surrounding communities by raising funds for a multitude of local and national charities. These charities include the Golden Eagles Fund, Robert Hansen Diabetes Fund, and the Jimmy Durante Children's Fund. Through actively pursuing lifting up those around them, the Eagles Aerie #1801 has truly been an integral part of Somerset, Pennsylvania. The leadership and members of Aerie #1801 have continuously provided Somerset with examples of civic leadership, charitable giving, and improving the borough in ways great and small. The Eagles have made Somerset an immeasurably enhanced place to live, work, and raise families.
* The Somerset Fraternal Order of Eagles has provided a trustworthy atmosphere which has worked to help a multitude of men, women, and children throughout its history. I would like to congratulate the members and leadership of Aerie #1801 and Eagles who have assembled from across the country to be in Somerset on this occasion. I look forward to celebrating the one hundredth anniversary of such a wonderful organization, as it has brought a greater appreciation to our area and has surely been an asset to the community.