[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 106 (Thursday, July 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO AN ANGEL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. COLLIN C. PETERSON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 1997

  Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to an angel.
  As you are aware, my district in Minnesota has been devastated by 
blizzards and floods for several months this past spring. The worst 
damage has occurred in East Grand Forks, the little city in the big 
flood. I was there when the dikes were breaking and we have been there 
ever since trying to help this brave community come back from this 
disastrous event.
  The physical damage was an awesome sight and the water refused to 
recede for day after endless day. Mr. Speaker, I cannot begin to tell 
you the sadness we felt as we watched their hearts breaking, or the 
pride as we watched them struggle not to fall into despair.
  And when circumstances were still at their bleakest, there appeared 
an angel. An anonymous donor of such generosity that all of us were 
astounded by her actions. A gentlewoman from another state gave the 
citizens of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks a total of $15 million, to 
be given out in the sum of $2,000 to each household that was evacuated 
by air raid sirens and lost property to the raging Red River. No other 
criteria. No strings attached. No delay allowed. She asked only that 
there be no redtape to the process and to remain anonymous.
  I will always honor her wishes. So I use this forum to tell our 
angel, thank you. The impact was beautiful and immediate. The families 
were and remain moved to tears by your selfless actions. The community 
itself rose to a new level of courage and strength of purpose because 
of you. You fed their spirits and restored their souls.
  This city will rise again, recover and rebuild and become a finer, 
stronger community. Of this there is no doubt in my mind. But it will 
not be because of a new downtown, or a new housing development, rebuilt 
schools, or a revitalized business sector. East Grand Forks will become 
a stronger community because you opened your heart to them in their 
darkest hour. You believed them worthy of a future. They will now 
believe it themselves. And they have learned from you, angel, they have 
learned that there is no shame in receiving help, and great joy in 
giving it. They will remember you for all their lives. As will I.
  You have made a difference in our lives, and perhaps that is the 
highest achievement a person can attain on this earth. So I join the 
citizens of East Grand Forks in heartfelt thanks to you, our angel. We 
will never forget you.

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