Recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1136 in Wyandotte, Michigan

Floor Speech

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Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1136 in Wyandotte, Michigan 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 Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States dates back to September 29, 1899, when it was founded in Columbus, Ohio following the return of Americans from the campaign in the Spanish-American war. Founded by a small group of veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars was founded to build upon them a spirit of comradeship only known to those who faced the dangers of war fighting side-by-side.

Post 1136 has a long and notable history of service. Throughout World War II, the Post sent gifts and home newspapers to the men and women serving all over the United States and the world. They continued serving the veterans as they returned home, creating a special Ritual Team to escort the returning bodies of their fallen comrades and to conduct military funerals. Although the Ritual Team was disbanded, in the late fifties, the Service Officer Burial Detail was formed and became known as the ``Wyandotte Honor Guard.'' They still serve their fallen comrades even today. Post 1136 grew to over 1,000 members on March 25, 1970, at the height of the Vietnam War. Throughout war time, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1136 has been steadfast in its commitment to supporting our troops at home and abroad. With financial struggles and lower membership following the Vietnam War, Post 1136 gained strength once again as the United States liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. Renewed efforts by the post allowed for continued campaigns of support for our troops abroad, with Post 1136 donating food, toiletries, cigarettes, and other items in short supply to those on the battlefield.

Over the decades since its founding, Post 1136 in Wyandotte, Michigan has continued to give back to its community by hosting an annual 4th of July parade that it first started in 1939, memorial services for those lost in the September 11th attacks, charity fundraisers, and the construction of memorials for the brave heroes who lost their lives in the Vietnam War along the main boulevard that features inscriptions and poems written by community members. Committed to the cause of helping our service members, Post 1136 admirably helps veterans with health issues gain access to a variety of medical and social benefits and become comfortable at home following their return from combat.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1136 in Wyandotte, Michigan. 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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