[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E788-E789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           JOSEPH M. LANE AMERICAN LEGION POST 136 CENTENNIAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSH GOTTHEIMER

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 18, 2019

  Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the centennial 
celebration of the American Legion. On March 15, 1919, the American 
Legion was founded in Paris, France by U.S. military personnel in the 
aftermath of World War I. Today, 100 years later, The American Legion 
is the world's largest veterans' organization and has been at the 
forefront of efforts to improve the lives of veterans including the 
development of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the creation of the 
U.S. Flag Code, and passage of the G.I. Bill.
  The irreplaceable impact of the American Legion continues 100 years 
later. Every year, The American Legion provides assistance on more than 
181,000 VA claims and cases, awards more than $4 million in 
scholarships, and is the nation's single largest donor of blood.
  Specifically, I would like to recognize the Joseph M. Lane American 
Legion Post 136 in my District in Lodi, New Jersey. The inaugural 
meeting of what would today become the Joseph M. Lane American Legion 
Post 136 was held on September 9, 1919, at the Liberty Street Fire 
House in Lodi. The Post's namesake was Lodi resident, United States 
Army Private Joseph M. Lane, who died in the service in France.
  As the Representative for the Fifth Congressional District of New 
Jersey, I am proud to recognize the Joseph M. Lane American Legion Post 
136 of Lodi for its countless contributions to the Lodi community and 
its veterans.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
American Legion for reaching this amazing milestone and look forward to 
many great years ahead.

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