[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 2 (Thursday, January 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E21]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      AMERICAN FLAG FLIES OVER RE-BUILT DOGWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FRANK R. WOLF

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 24, 2002

  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, in November 2000, the Dogwood Elementary 
School in Reston, VA, was completely demolished as a result of a tragic 
and extensive fire. The students soon found that the school flag also 
was lost in the fire.
  As members of Congress, we have the privilege of having flags flown 
over the U.S. Capitol--the symbol of our democracy--and I was honored 
to present one of those new American flags to the students and teachers 
at Dogwood Elementary.
  The school is now rebuilt and ready to reopen. I want to share with 
our colleagues the following message provided to me by Linda Thetford, 
assistant principal at Dogwood Elementary School, about the importance 
of the American flag to the school and its students.

       On behalf of the Dogwood Elementary School we consider it 
     an honor to be selected to receive an American Flag that has 
     flown over the United States capitol. The tragedies of recent 
     world events provide a backdrop for our local tragedy and 
     have provided opportunities for our students to understand 
     the significance of all Americans together to rebuild our 
     future.
       In November 2000, the Dogwood Elementary School in Reston 
     suffered a shocking crisis when the entire school was 
     demolished due to an extensive fire. The students, staff, 
     parents and community experienced a tremendous loss as they 
     tried to cope with this catastrophe. Once students were 
     reassigned to temporary classrooms they gathered to raise the 
     flag, which was a daily routine. However they quickly 
     realized the American flag had burned along with all the 
     other building contents.
       The 530 students of Dogwood take great pride in 
     representing their community and their country. Many 
     students' families originate from countries throughout the 
     world and speak over 22 languages. While the students attend 
     school, many of their parents have studied to become American 
     citizens. The gift of an American Flag would be a fitting 
     tribute, not only to those heroes of September 11, but also 
     to those in our community who have displayed the American 
     spirit by coming together in time of crisis to rebuild 
     Dogwood Elementary.
       During the past year a tremendous number of people have 
     collaborated together to rebuild Dogwood Elementary School. 
     Many individuals have donated their professional skills and 
     talents to help create a wonderful new school for the 
     children of Reston. Thanks to all the dedication and 
     continued effort we are now ready to open our re-built 
     school.

     

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