[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 612 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                          June 1, 2004.
Whereas fire kills more Americans than all other natural disasters combined;
Whereas all Americans must work together for the common goal of fire prevention, 
        fire use, and fire suppression;
Whereas firefighters routinely risk their lives to save others, and some 
        sacrifice their lives in the line of duty;
Whereas on March 26, 2004, the Carver Community of Richmond, Virginia, and 
        Virginia Commonwealth University experienced a devastating fire 
        resulting in the condemnation and destruction of numerous buildings and 
        property;
Whereas strong winds quickly spread the fire through several city blocks and a 
        section of the Virginia Commonwealth University campus;
Whereas firefighters, police, public servants, and civilians exhibited 
        resilience and courage in combating the dangerous fire and in dealing 
        with its aftermath;
Whereas the local firefighters who initially answered the call were later 
        assisted by countless firefighters from fire stations throughout the 
        region who united in a determined effort to defeat the blaze and fight 
        the challenging wind, smoke, and heat conditions in order to save the 
        remaining area;
Whereas public, private, and civic organizations worked as a seamless team 
        preserving and protecting human lives, defending property, and providing 
        food and comfort to all affected; and
Whereas all involved met their community's call to duty by providing brave and 
        steadfast assistance and upholding the finest traditions of the 
        Commonwealth of Virginia: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes and honors the 
firefighters, police, public servants, civilians, and private businesses who 
responded to the devastating fire in Richmond, Virginia, on March 26, 2004, and 
commends them for their dedicated service to the people of the Commonwealth of 
Virginia.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.