SALUTING THE MEN OF THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 128

On 2026-05-21, Representative George Latimer (D-NY-16) delivered a floor speech titled "SALUTING THE MEN OF THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 128" in the House.

SALUTING THE MEN OF THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 128

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)] [House] [Page H3674] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SALUTING THE MEN OF THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 128 (Mr. Latimer of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the men of The American Legion Post 128 in Rye, New York, for their patriotism and their true sense of civic duty. This post, comprised of veterans of military service, is just one part of The American Legion Department of New York, and it is led by Commander Fred de Barros and Adjutant Tim Moynihan. Their commitment to American values will be on display this Memorial Day weekend as they host the annual parade and ceremony on the Village Green in Rye. The ceremony will feature a presentation of the annual Americanism award this year to a deserving Rye resident, Laura Pellegrini, along with high school students who have participated in the annual essay contest. The post members last weekend placed American flags at the graves of veterans at Greenwood Union Cemetery. Every year, they conduct Veterans Day services on the Village Green in November, and also a used flag disposal ceremony and other patriotic recognitions. From the floor of the House of Representatives, we acknowledge and recognize The American Legion Post 128 and the Ladies Auxiliary for their service to city and to country. Remembering Congressman Eliot Engel Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and accomplishments of my predecessor, Congressman Eliot Engel, who passed away on April 10, with particular focus on his representation of the Bronx and Westchester, and his leadership on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. A product of the Bronx, Eliot was a fixture in New York politics for as long as I knew him and zealously represented the diverse constituencies that characterized metro New York, and at various times the Bronx, Westchester, and Rockland Counties. Originally winning election as a third-party candidate, he first served in the New York State Assembly from 1977 to 1988, and thereafter as a Member of Congress for the Bronx and Westchester until 2020. Eliot supported liberal policies at home. He fought vigorously to protect Kosovar Albanians and for the United States to recognize Kosovo as an independent nation. Last week in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, at the urging of my colleague Ritchie Torres, leader Brian Mast, and Ranking Member Greg Meeks, we passed a bill to honor Congressman Engel's life and legacy by renaming the U.S. Chancery in Pristina, Kosovo, the Eliot L. Engel Building. While naming a building for someone will never replace having them in the room with you, it is my hope that this effort will allow his work, his leadership, and his legacy to live on for years to come. May his memory be a blessing. ____________________