House Resolution 66

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING AMERICAN LEGION JOE GRAHAM POST AND UNIT 119 UPON THE OCCASION OF THEIR CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY.

WHEREAS, 100 years ago, the American Legion was federally chartered on September 16, 1919, and in 1920, the Joe Graham Post and Unit 119 in Gulfport, Mississippi, was organized, and to commemorate its centennial, a celebration on March 16, 2019, will recognize the organization which has provided an illustrious, selfless service and unparalleled devotion to the grateful citizens of the United States of America and the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the American Legion organization as a whole traces its origin to March 15-17, 1919, in Paris, France, and the aftermath of World War I, and quickly chartered more than 5,400 posts throughout the country and became an institution dedicated to service to veterans, strong national defense, youth and patriotism; and

WHEREAS, throughout its century of exceptional service, the American Legion has greatly contributed to the American society and bettered the life of veterans through the enactment of several policies, including creating the U.S. Flag Code, founding the Veterans Administration, passing the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, more commonly known as the GI Bill, which transformed America in the second half of the 20th century, and helping veterans receive benefits for health-care conditions based on their honorable service; and

WHEREAS, Unit 119 and the post founded in Gulfport, Mississippi, is named for Joe Graham, the first casualty of World War I from Gulfport, and it currently has over 300 members plus over 150 in the affiliated American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion; and

WHEREAS, the Joe Graham Post and Unit 119 American Legion strive daily to support and advocate for veterans, active-duty military and their families, to foster patriotism and responsible citizenship, to award scholarships and promote quality education and literacy, to provide educational and leadership opportunities that uphold the ideals of freedom and democracy and encourage good citizenship and patriotism in government, to increase their capacity to deliver their mission by providing meaningful volunteer opportunities within the community and to empower the membership to achieve personal fulfillment through "Service Not Self"; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend outstanding state and national organizations, especially those such as the American Legion Joe Graham Post and Unit 119 and the American Legion organization as a whole, which strives continuously to make a positive impact in the Gulfport community, the State of Mississippi and the United States of America:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate American Legion Joe Graham Post and Unit 119 upon the occasion of their centennial anniversary, and extend our most sincere wishes for continued success for many years to come.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the American Legion Joe Graham Post and Unit 119 and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.