[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 22, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E882-E883]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            THE 121ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 21, 2002

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, Clara Barton, a true visionary in American 
history, once stated: ``I have an almost complete disregard of

[[Page E883]]

precedent, and a faith in the possibility of something better. It 
irritates me to be told how things have always been done. I defy the 
tyranny of precedent. I go for anything new that might improve the 
past.'' Her motivation as well as her devotion to humanity led Clara 
Barton to found the American Red Cross in 1881.
  Today we celebrate the 121st anniversary of the American Red Cross, 
which is one of the most renowned charitable organizations in our 
nation. It is made up of over a million Red Cross volunteers who 
provide much needed relief services to families, communities and 
countries around the world in times of crisis.
  When unexpected disasters hit, the Red Cross is prepared. For 
example, the American Red Cross coordinates the collection of blood and 
ensures that the safest blood is available to save the lives of our 
armed service members and lives in over 5,000 hospitals across the 
country.
  Internationally, the Red Cross has been active in helping millions of 
people fight malnutrition and communities gain access to such basic and 
vital needs as safe drinking water.
  Each year, the American Red Cross quickly responds to more than 
67,000 disasters, including transportation accidents, house fires, 
hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and tornadoes.
  One instance of the Red Cross's exemplary and timely response to a 
disaster was after a lethal tornado tore through my District in 
Southern Maryland on April 28th. Without delay, the Red Cross was on 
the scene to provide help after one of the fiercest tornado disasters 
ever on the East Coast.
  Approximately 230 Red Cross volunteers poured in from across the 
nation to join 100 local volunteers. They worked tirelessly to help 
community members in their time of need by quickly erecting shelters 
and administering food, clothing, emergency medication and grief 
counseling.
  As I walked through the streets of La Plata, stepping over the wires, 
rubble and debris of the once vibrant community, it was evident that 
there was a lot of work ahead for residents to overcome this tragedy. 
Fortunately, as a result of help from service organizations like the 
Red Cross, government officials and agencies, and citizens, it is clear 
that La Plata will rebuild and come back stronger than ever.
  The Charles County Red Cross Chapter is a shining example of the 
dedication of the Red Cross, and why La Plata will persevere and once 
again thrive. The same evening that the tornado completely wiped out 
the Chapter building and all of their resources in La Plata, the Red 
Cross leaders and volunteers set up a temporary Disaster Operation 
Center in a vacant store building in Waldorf.
  Since 1917, the county's Chapter has been instrumental in providing 
disaster preparation and care services. The Chapter plans to rebuild, 
just like the La Plata community will rebuild, and continue to dedicate 
time and energy to the citizens of La Plata.
  The American Red Cross, since it was founded, has been instrumental 
in relieving the suffering and the saving lives of our local, national 
and international communities.
  And thus it's with great gratitude and honor that I commend the 
American Red Cross today on its 121st anniversary. On behalf of the 
citizens of the 5th Congressional District of Maryland, who were 
affected by this most recent natural disaster, as well as the millions 
of Americans whose lives have been bettered by this wonderful 
organization, I wish it only the best in the years to come.

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