[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB BEAUPREZ

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 15, 2006

  Mr. BEAUPREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
thousands of Americans who proudly call themselves Red Cross 
volunteers. I stand to show my support for their service to this 
country, their sacrifice in leaving their homes and loved ones to rush 
to the aid of fellow Americans in their own community, or another 
community hundreds, even thousands of miles away.
  When you talk about the American Red Cross, you must never forget 
that you are talking about volunteers. More than 95% of Red Cross 
workers are volunteers. They are on no government payroll. They have no 
secret motives or hidden agendas. They are citizens in voluntary 
service of their fellow citizens.
  March is Red Cross Month. We take the time to honor the compassion of 
the volunteer spirit.
  In my own district, these good people are at work daily, teaching 
CPR, helping to collect lifesaving blood, teaching someone how to swim, 
and responding in the middle of the night to comfort one of their 
neighbors whose house has burned down. It is simply impossible to 
imagine our community without the Red Cross.
  There is a reason why every president since Franklin Roosevelt has 
declared March to be Red Cross Month. This is an organization that 
mimics American's tendencies to help a neighbor in need, and provides 
an essential safety net affecting millions of lives. It has earned the 
right to be called a national treasure.
  No one is more interested in building the best possible Red Cross 
than the people of the Red Cross themselves. Their only desire is to 
fulfill their mission of compassion and humanity--a mission they have 
upheld with honor for 125 years. Let us take care to guard this well-
earned reputation, aiding and supporting them as they have aided and 
supported America.

                          ____________________