[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 29 (Tuesday, March 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           AMERICAN RED CROSS

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                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 2004

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and 
acknowledge March as American Red Cross Month.
  For over 122 years the American Red Cross has helped people through 
man-made and natural disasters. Last September after my district took a 
huge hit and was smashed by Hurricane Isabel the American Red Cross was 
there to help.
  Hurricane Isabel will not be forgotten and neither will the good work 
of the American Red Cross. From broad measures to help entire 
communities to individualized care, the American Red Cross acted 
swiftly and without hesitation. By creating temporary shelters and 
providing food and water and medical care to those who needed it, the 
American Red Cross made an extremely difficult situation bearable. 
Thousands of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed by the 
hurricane and without the American Red Cross countless people would 
have suffered.
  The American Red Cross saves lives. In addition to disaster relief, 
the American Red Cross' biomedical services program provides life 
saving aid through their blood and tissue donation efforts.
  The American Red Cross has a long history of serving the people of 
the United States. Established by Clara Barton in 1881 as a disaster 
relief and battlefield assistance organization, the American Red Cross 
carries on the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross 
and Red Crescent Movement. Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, 
Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality are the 
guiding forces behind the work and service provided by the American Red 
Cross.
  The American Red Cross is truly a blessing to all who benefit from 
their services. It is impossible to adequately show my appreciation to 
all of the volunteers and members of the American Red Cross who 
tirelessly aid people in need. Thank you for this opportunity to honor 
the American Red Cross and the people who make it a truly wonderful 
organization.

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