[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 23, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S23-S24]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO THE CITY OF AKRON

 Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the citizens 
of Akron, OH, for their selfless actions following the September 11 
terrorist attacks. Specifically, the Akron Beacon Journal, the City's 
largest daily newspaper, launched a campaign to collect donations to 
purchase a fire truck for New York City.

[[Page S24]]

  As we all know too well, on September 11, terrorists attacked our 
great Nation in a way many of us thought unimaginable. While these acts 
were, indeed, horrific, instead of leaving us frozen and helpless, so 
many Americans have banded together and acted in ways that exemplify 
why this country of ours is so great. The citizens of Akron are a 
perfect example of this.
  After deliberating about what could be done to help the people of New 
York City, the executives of the Akron Beacon Journal came up with an 
answer: a fund to purchase a new fire truck for the city of New York.
  On September 16, the Akron Beacon Journal opened the fund with a 
donation of $25,000 and then asked the citizens of Akron to donate, as 
well. The people of Akron answered this call, and responded in a 
resounding way. Immediately, money began pouring in for the fund.
  A month later, over $1.3 million had been raised with donations from 
almost 50,000 individuals and companies and organizations. With this 
money, the City of Akron was able to purchase a 95-foot ladder fire 
truck, as well as two EMS vehicles and three police cars.
  I am proud of the people of Akron. And, I thank them for their 
extraordinary gift. This donated equipment has done more than just help 
New York City rebuild some of what was lost. it has reminded us all of 
the amazing things we can accomplish when we pull together. Their gift 
was one from the heart and I thank each and every one who helped make 
this possible.

                          ____________________