Supporting American Legion Day

Floor Speech

* Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. 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.

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