[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 23, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       EXPRESSING SYMPATHY TO THE CITIZENS OF GREENSBURG, KANSAS

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                               speech of

                            HON. TODD TIAHRT

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 22, 2007

  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in sympathy of the citizens of 
Greensburg, Kansas. On May 4, 2007 a devastating tornado ripped through 
the community and destroyed 95 percent of the town. Ten lives were lost 
and 1,500 people were directly affected by this deadly terror. 
Greensburg was a quiet and charming town surrounded by pasture land 
lush and fertile. This town was preserved by generations of hardworking 
people who valued what they had and worked to keep it.
  In the heartland, people know what it means to be a good neighbor. 
After this deadly tornado ripped through the community, there were 
countless examples, of strength, compassion and perseverance, traits we 
often see in Kansans. As people sifted through the shambles and rumble 
of what had been, at one time, their homes and personal belongings, 
wheat trucks and regular old four wheel drive pick-ups from neighboring 
towns drove in to lend a hand and a shoulder of comfort. It is 
heartwarming to witness how Kansans have come together in response to 
the Greensburg tragedy.
  Mr. Speaker, my heart and prayers go out to all the citizens in 
Greensburg. Progress is being made and being made daily. They are 
picking up the pieces of their lives from what was left from this 
horrible force of nature and are moving forward. The people of 
Greensburg obviously have tough days ahead, but I know with the 
resilient spirit they have demonstrated, they are up to the challenge 
and they will not be alone in overcoming it.

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