[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 52 (Wednesday, May 1, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H1772-H1773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE GOODWILL AND ALTRUISM AT THE PLACENTIA TRAIN ACCIDENT

  (Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, on April 23, a 
terrible train accident occurred in my district in Placentia, 
California. Tragically 2 people lost their lives while hundreds of 
others were injured.

[[Page H1773]]

  I rise today not to add commentary to the unfortunate accident, but 
rather to recognize the goodwill and altruism that is very much a part 
of America in a post-September 11 world.
  Mr. Speaker, the fire, police and ambulance services, along with the 
local hospitals, all reacted swiftly to the accident. There were 
bystanders who rushed to the scene to offer aid and comfort to those 
who were hurt. One of those bystanders, a convenience store owner, 
rushed to the scene with cases of bottled water. Another grabbed a 
first aid kit from her car and rushed to help. Employees from a local 
telephone company brought dozens of cell phones to the emergency center 
so people could call their loved ones.
  Despite the tragedy of the situation, average Americans rose to the 
occasion to help strangers and friends alike.
  Mr. Speaker, if there is anyone who wonders what makes an American an 
American, they need only look at the simple acts of kindness and 
charity that citizens everywhere engage in when something terrible 
happens. America is the same today as it was in the wake of September 
11. It is strong and will remain so regardless of whatever hardships 
are thrown our way.

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