[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 162 (Tuesday, November 16, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S14645-S14646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS OF SOUTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, it is with great enthusiasm that I 
rise today to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the American Red Cross 
of Southeastern Connecticut. Since 1909, victims of war, strife and 
natural disaster have been given the gift of hope and the means of

[[Page S14646]]

survival by the selfless men and women who make up the Red Cross' 
Southeastern Connecticut Chapter. Indeed, for nine decades, the 
Southeastern Connecticut Chapter has provided assistance to those in 
need in Connecticut, across the United States and around the world--
truly exemplifying the ideals of the American Red Cross--offering aid 
and support during periods of acute emergency and prolonged rebuilding 
alike.
  The Red Cross itself has a long and distinguished history in the 
United States. In 1881, the American Red Cross was founded by Clara 
Barton and dedicated to the basic principles of service to humanity, 
independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. President Taft 
described the American Red Cross as ``the only volunteer society now 
authorized by this government to render aid to its land and naval 
forces in times of war,'' for that was its original intent, to aid the 
casualties of war. As we all know, the organization's peace-time role 
grew rapidly, however, and at the turn of the century, new leadership 
brought new goals and expanded the services of the American Red Cross.
  The growth of the American Red Cross was made possible by the success 
of regional chapters and the dedication of countless volunteers. The 
Red Cross was entirely staffed by volunteers until 1941, and today, 
volunteers still make up ninety-eight percent of all Red Cross 
personnel. When membership drives were initiated by the Southeastern 
Connecticut Chapter, residents of that area answered the call. Citizens 
from all walks of life--businesses, mills, farms, schools, churches and 
hospitals--donated their time, skill and money to the organization. 
Over the years, the Southeastern Chapter has been able to generate the 
ever-increasing support required to meet developing demands because of 
the sacrifice of their volunteers and the generosity of their 
neighbors.
  Over the last 90 years, this generosity and self-sacrifice has 
produced a remarkable track record. Historically speaking, the Red 
Cross organization in Southeastern Connecticut was active even before 
its formal charter was granted on November 1, 1909. The founding 
members began organizing at the Park Congressional Church in Norwich, 
Connecticut in October, 1905. They played a role in the relief efforts 
following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and in 1906 helped survivors 
of the San Francisco earthquake and fire. Back home in Connecticut, the 
chapter also moved rapidly to combat a growing tuberculosis epidemic in 
its early days.
  As the world braced for war in August, 1914, the Chapter prepared for 
its own humanitarian campaign. The Chapter's members opened their 
hearts and homes to the work at hand. Preparations were carried out in 
homes, offices, social clubs, church societies and any other available 
space. The spirit of the Red Cross in Southeastern Connecticut was 
truly embraced by the community as a whole. The Honor Roll Committee, 
the Home Service Section, the Motor Corps and the Junior Red Cross were 
all formed in the endeavor to relieve those affected by war.
  During the latter decades of the century, the Chapter, and the Red 
Cross in general, made great strides in the field of blood donation. 
Connecticut Chapters contributed to the Blood Services of the war in 
Vietnam by sponsoring ``Operation Helpmate" in which each Chapter 
supplied a mobile blood unit in Mekong, Vietnam. Relentless in their 
selfless devotion to humanitarianism worldwide, Southeastern 
Connecticut Red Cross has provided a safety net for the 20th Century.
  While most of us think of the Red Cross as an international force for 
good, the presence of the American Red Cross in Connecticut has been 
important, as well. When the deadliest hurricane to ever hit New 
England slammed into Eastern Connecticut on September 21, 1938, the 
Disaster and Civil Preparedness Committee of the Southeastern Chapter 
responded to the emergency situation immediately, helping countless 
lives. And the Chapter led the effort to rebuild once the storm had 
passed. Had it not been for the preparedness of the Chapter in disaster 
situations, the damage and loss of life sustained would have been far 
greater.
  More recently, the state's organization has created what is now 
hailed as a model program for preventing the spread of HIV throughout 
the state. This program has become highly successful, and is partly the 
reason why cases of new infections have dropped significantly.
  Just this year, the destruction brought by hurricane Floyd was 
mitigated by the Southeastern Red Cross. While parts of Connecticut 
were so badly soaked by floods that they were declared federal disaster 
areas, the Southeastern Connecticut American Red Cross was assisting 
local hospitals and rescuing those in need.
  At the turn of the millennium, the American Red Cross faces new 
challenges. Cultural and national conflicts, natural disasters and acts 
of nature have caused unimaginable human suffering in recent memory. 
After each calamity, however, the Red Cross and its volunteers have 
been there to pick up the pieces. Volunteers from Connecticut have 
played an active role both around the world and at home over the last 
90 years and I rest easier knowing they will continue to play a vital 
role well into the next century.
  So, it is with great pride and gratitude, Mr. President, that I stand 
on the floor of the Senate today to recognize the accomplishments of 
the Southeastern Connecticut American Red Cross over these past 90 
years. I know I speak for many Connecticut residents in expressing 
congratulations for achieving this milestone, and best wishes in coming 
years for continued service to those in need.

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