RI H8285

Rhode Island House of Representatives celebrates the 107th anniversary of the American Legion, founded March 15, 1919 in Paris, France and chartered by Congress on September 16, 1919

Recognizes the organization's nearly two million members and more than 12,000 posts across the United States, France, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines

Acknowledges legislative achievements including creation of the U.S. Veterans Bureau (1921), the Flag Code (adopted by Congress 1942), and drafting the GI Bill which enabled eight million veterans to attend higher education

Notes civic contributions including $1 million donation to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial fund, sponsorship of over 2,500 Scouting Units, a $10,000 annual Eagle Scout scholarship, and the American Legion baseball program with 5,400+ teams

Directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to Dan K. Wiley, National Commander of the American Legion