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Recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the Founding of American Legion Post 46

Floor Speech

Date: Sept. 12, 2023
Location: Washington, DC

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Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the American Legion Post 46 in Ann Arbor, MI on the 100th anniversary of their founding. The support and care that they have shown to our veterans and our community over the last century is worthy of commendation.

The Erwin Prieskorn American Legion Post 46 was issued its charter in 1923, named in honor of Erwin Prieskorn, an Ann Arbor native who died of his wounds in France during the First World War. Over the next 40 years, membership increased to over 1,000 veterans. Membership has fluctuated over the years, but Post 46 is now 1 of the faster growing American Legion posts in the country by growing over 30 percent in membership in the last year alone.

For the past 100 years, the members of Post 46 have dedicated themselves to their fellow veterans. Members are consistently volunteering at the Ann Arbor VA Hospital; visiting with patients, assisting spouses, and providing transportation for those who are not able to drive. In 2019, Post 46 gathered $100,000 to donate for the construction of a Fisher House at the Ann Arbor VA. The American Legion Department of Michigan followed suit, urging other legionnaires to also contribute during a yearlong campaign. In total, more than $500,000 was raised and the VA Ann Arbor Fisher House welcomed its first guests on June 1, 2020.

Over the decades, Post 46 been committed to other community-based programs in the greater Ann Arbor area working on youth education, combating domestic violence and sexual assault, food insecurity, homelessness, and public health. Post 46 regularly donates and raises funds for the following organizations; SafeHouse Center, Food Gatherers, Hope Clinic, Staples Family Center, Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, Youth Scouting, placing flags at veterans graves every Memorial Day, high school scholarships, Boys State, Veterans Memorial Park, Washtenaw Community College, U of M ROTC, MSP Student Trooper Program and so much more.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Erwin Prieskorn American Legion Post 46. For the last century, their members have continued serving their community well after being out of uniform. We thank them for their service, both at home and abroad, and are excited to see what they can accomplish over the next 100 years.

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