Above: Gottheimer presents the Bergen County American Legion with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol to honor the Legion’s centennial.

 

NORTH JERSEY – Today, Sunday, September 29, 2019, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer honored North Jersey veterans and the centennial of the American Legion at events with the Bergen County American Legion and with Park Ridge’s Cpl. Jedh C. Barker Memorial American Legion Post 153.

“To me, one of my most important jobs as a member of Congress is to have the backs of those who have our backs: our law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, our men and women currently serving in active duty and those who have served, and, of course, our veterans,” Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) said today.

The American Legion was founded in Paris, France, by U.S. military personnel in the aftermath of World War I. A century later, the American Legion is the world’s largest veterans’ organization and has been at the forefront of efforts to improve the lives of veterans, including the development of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the creation of the U.S. Flag Code, and passage of the G.I. bill. Each year, The American Legion provides assistance on more than 181,000 VA claims and cases, awards more than $4 million in scholarships, and is the nation’s single largest donor of blood.

“You all here at Post 153 truly represent the best of us — those who have served our country as part of our armed forces, but who have also come back to serve as a backbone of our great community,” Gottheimer said today at Park Ridge’s American Legion Post 153. “From collecting unserviceable flags, sponsoring Boy Scout Troop 334, working with honorably discharged veterans who may need financial assistance, and helping honor those who served from the Greatest Generation — especially during this centennial celebration — you all have been a force for good in a way few organizations have.”

“For nearly 85 years, the Bergen County American Legion has been an anchor in our community, serving as a place where veterans and their families and friends can come together to have a common purpose upon returning home,” Gottheimer said today at the Bergen County American Legion. “One of the most incredible ways that you all live up to the Legion’s call is through your incredible endeavor, the Central Relief Committee — to help veterans and their families when they’re in need. We owe the freedoms we enjoy, living in the greatest country in the world, to those who fight and have fought to protect and defend those freedoms every day. They truly epitomize Jersey Values: having the backs of others when we need it most. So, it’s no surprise that our veterans would come home and establish a fund like this to help so many members of our community.”

Gottheimer announced steps earlier this year to address the nearly 49,000 empty positions throughout the Veterans Affairs system, which are leaving our veterans facing long wait times, cancelled appointments, and, ultimately, subpar care. Gottheimer led two pieces of bipartisan legislation, which passed Congress and were signed into law, that addresses filling vacant roles throughout the VA and increases investment to hire more mental health professionals.

Any veteran or veteran’s family in need of help is encouraged to contact Gottheimer’s office in Glen Rock at 201-389-1100 or in Newton at (973) 940-1117. Gottheimer’s office is eager to help veterans in the Fifth District with claims, backpay, medals, VA benefits, or any other matter.

Bergen County American Legion

Below: Gottheimer visits with North Jersey veterans at the Bergen County American Legion’s celebration of the Legion’s centennial.

Below: Gottheimer addresses the Bergen County American Legion and honors North Jersey’s veterans.

American Legion Post 153 in Park Ridge

Below: Gottheimer speaks to North Jersey veterans in Park Ridge to honor the past 100 years of the American Legion.

Below: Gottheimer presents Park Ridge’s American Legion Post 153, Post 153 Commander Joseph Collery, and former Post 153 Commander and Park Ridge Centennial Committee Chair Dick Bozzone with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol.

Below: Gottheimer honors North Jersey veterans at Park Ridge’s American Legion Post 153, alongside Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna, Post 153’s Dick Bozzone, and musical performers.

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