[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 176 (Wednesday, November 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO THE GREATER SOMERSET COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED 
                                 CROSS

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 14, 2007

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Greater 
Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross! On Thursday, 
November 15, 2007, this vibrant organization will mark its Ninetieth 
Anniversary.
  The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers 
and guided by its Congressional Charter and the fundamental principles 
of the International Red Cross Movement, provides relief to victims of 
disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to 
emergencies.
  Jean-Henry Dunant is credited as the original founder of the Red 
Cross. The International Committee of the Red Cross was formed on 
February 17, 1863. Operations were well underway overseas when the 
American Red Cross was first founded nearly twenty years later, on May 
21, 1881 by Clara Barton.
  The Red Cross has a long history of providing aid in emergencies. 
Food, shelter, and medical assistance are offered to victims of fires, 
floods, and other catastrophes. In addition to disaster aid, the Red 
Cross sponsors blood drives; conducts CPR and first aid training; 
teaches swimming; provides AIDS education; and serves as a link between 
service men and women and their families during emergency situations.
  By an act of Congress on January 5, 1905, the American Red Cross was 
granted a charter designating it as a nationwide agency through which 
the American people voluntarily extend assistance to people in need. 
The national headquarters, located in Washington, DC, implements 
policies and procedures that govern Red Cross activities, provides 
administrative and technical supervision, and offers guidance to its 
national organization, composed of local chapters and geographical 
regions.
  The Greater Somerset County Chapter, American Red Cross evolved into 
its current configuration after undergoing numerous transformations and 
mergers. The Bound Brook Chapter was chartered in April 1917 and a few 
weeks later, the Somerville Area Chapter also came into being.
  In March 1958, Manville was incorporated into the Somerville Area 
Chapter, and in June 1964, the Somerville and Bound Brook chapters 
merged to form the Raritan Valley Chapter. In 1994, this chapter 
reached its current configuration when the Raritan Valley Chapter 
merged with the Somerset Hills Chapter to become the Greater Somerset 
County Chapter.
  The Greater Somerset County Chapter has historically relied on the 
utilization of a small staff, 428 volunteers that represent 98 percent 
of the chapter staffing and private authorized instructors to deliver 
high quality programs and services to the community. For 90 years, 
Somerset County has been provided continued access to 24/7 emergency 
and disaster services, Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES), blood 
donation programs, preparedness education, health and safety training 
and medical transportation services.
  Madam Speaker, I am privileged to honor the Greater Somerset County 
Chapter of the American Red Cross. I urge you and my colleagues to join 
me in congratulating the members of this valuable, dynamic organization 
for their ninety years of service! Again, I offer my praise and thanks 
to their dedicated trustees, administration, support staff, and 
volunteers who work tirelessly on behalf of those in need.

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