[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 21 (Thursday, March 5, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1478-S1479]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            RED CROSS MONTH

 Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the achievement and service of the American Red Cross. March has been 
declared ``Red Cross Month'' by Presidential Proclamation, and I can 
think of no more appropriate a season to recognize an organization 
whose mission centers on renewing hope for the citizens of our Nation.
  Founded in May, 1881 by Clara Barton, the American Red Cross was 
charged with providing emergency relief in times of war and natural 
disaster. Today, the American Red Cross is the largest grass-roots 
volunteer organization in the United States with 2658 chapters and over 
a million volunteers. I am pleased that the United States Congress had 
the foresight in 1905 to designate the American Red Cross as the lead 
voluntary agency responsible for national and international relief in 
times of peace. In over a century of service, this organization has 
grown

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from an idea borne from war to a national network on which people 
depend in times of crisis and calm alike.
  My own State of Maryland recently suffered severe damage from two 
consecutive Nor'Easters which battered the coastline. Ocean City, a 
center of Maryland's summer tourism, and Assateague Island, one of the 
State's most critical natural resources, sustained high winds, wave 
action and tidal surges which leveled protective dunes, destroyed 
recreational beaches and caused severe damage to roads, parking lots, 
and bike trails. American Red Cross volunteers responded quickly to the 
needs of these communities by preparing shelters for evacuees, 
providing replacement food, clothing and basic furnishing to those in 
need, and helped to evaluate damage to homes of year round residents. I 
am personally very grateful for all that was done for these people in a 
time of unexpected loss and would like to thank the many volunteers who 
pitch in when ``Help Can't Wait.''
  Although disaster relief is one of the most important and renowned 
roles of the American Red Cross, the local chapters offer many other 
critical services that serve to prevent emergencies and provide 
training. The Red Cross is perhaps best known for its work to ensure a 
safe blood supply and blood products for cancer patients, accident 
victims and others in need. Other important services include courses in 
CPR, First Aid, HIV/AIDS education, swimming lessons, life guarding, 
and disaster relief and preparedness training.
  The American Red Cross also works closely with civic and educational 
entities to further their message and facilitate training. In Maryland, 
a newly formulated ``Safe Families--Safe Kids'' Campaign will be 
presented to schoolchildren from kindergarten to third grade in 
Baltimore City and counties throughout the State. This program will 
address safety concerns for children and families, including fire and 
injury prevention and interaction with strangers.
  The activities of the American Red Cross are innumerable and their 
contributions to the health and wellbeing of our society are 
invaluable. What is clear, this month and throughout the entire year, 
is that the tradition of service and the value of community 
responsibility thrives in the actions of this historic organization. I 
urge my colleagues to join me in applauding those who are taking part 
in the oldest and best of America's traditions--the spirit of 
service.

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