OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Moving National Woman's Relief Corps Incorporation and Domicile to Illinois; Principal Office to Murphysboro, Illinois

Floor Speech

By: Mike Bost
By: Mike Bost
Date: Feb. 2, 2026
Location: Washington, DC

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Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Jordan for allowing me this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Woman's Relief Corps, the oldest national women's patriotic organization and the auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic, which was our first VSO in the United States.

This organization has a long history of service and patriotism, with strong ties to Illinois and to my hometown, Murphysboro, not Murfreesboro. That is in Tennessee. I am speaking of Murphysboro, M-u- r-p-h-y-s-b-o-r-o. There is only one in this world, and it is Murphysboro.

Murphysboro is also the hometown of former Member of Congress, former U.S. Senator, and Civil War General John A. Logan, who was a strong advocate for our Nation's veterans. He played a key role in establishing Memorial Day as a national holiday in his 11th general order when he was commandant of the Grand Army of the Republic. His legacy of service continues to inspire Americans today.

It is fitting that the Woman's Relief Corps has made its home at the General John A. Logan Museum in Murphysboro, Illinois.

Although the Woman's Relief Corps received its congressional charter many years ago, the charter still lists Washington, D.C., and Springfield as its official location. That is why I introduced legislation to update the charter to recognize Murphysboro, my hometown, as the Woman's Relief Corps' home.

This change reflects where the organization is actually based and honors its close connection to John A. Logan and the southern Illinois communities that support its work. I am proud to support this measure and am grateful for the opportunity to assist an organization that has done so much for veterans and our communities.

The Woman's Relief Corps stands for patriotism, service, and community. By recognizing Murphysboro as its home, we honor its history and support its continued work.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation and in recognizing Murphysboro, Illinois, as the home of the Woman's Relief Corps.

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