[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 118 (Monday, July 23, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1594]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE 90TH BIRTHDAY OF THE PRINCE WILLIAM CHAPTER OF THE 
                           AMERICAN RED CROSS

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                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 23, 2007

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virgina. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to the Prince William Chapter of the American Red Cross as it 
celebrates its 90th birthday.
  For ninety years the Prince William Red Cross has provided valuable 
and noble service to members of our armed forces and those in need. The 
Prince William Chapter has two locations, both in Manassas and 
Occoquan, and has a rich history of faithfully serving their community. 
As a result, they were recognized this year as Prince William County's 
oldest non-profit organization.
  The birth of Prince William County's Red Cross can be traced all the 
way back to President Woodrow Wilson, who signed the organization's 
charter on July 24, 1917. Their charge was to support the war effort 
during World War I and their initial campaign raised over $2,600 for 
the war fund. At this time, they also began a service aiding the troops 
overseas by mailing out care packages that included hand-knit afghans, 
comfort kits, homemade jams, etc. The Prince William Chapter continues 
this tradition today as one of their many services. They have sent our 
troops in Iraq numerous packages containing the soldiers' favorite 
foods, athletic equipment, CD players and correspondence from home. 
This has all been done in an effort to aid our individual soldiers and 
military in every possible way.
  The Red Cross has recently assumed another mission: aiding their 
community in preparing, responding and recovering from both manmade and 
natural disasters. Last year over 477 Prince William County residents 
suffered losses during home fires. As has become commonplace over the 
past ninety years, the Prince William Red Cross was there to support 
them and provide relief in their time of need.
  Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank the Prince William 
Chapter of the American Red Cross for its ninety years of remarkable 
and devoted service to its community and to our nation. I call upon my 
colleagues to join me in applauding the Prince William Red Cross on 
this distinguished achievement and in wishing them many more years of 
continued success.

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