[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 54 (Tuesday, March 31, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4055-S4056]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH

  Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, ``America the Beautiful'' is perhaps 
one of the most moving anthems that captures the very essence of our 
Nation. In the fourth verse, Miss Katherine Lee Bates wrote, ``O 
beautiful for patriot dream that sees beyond the years, thine alabaster 
cities gleam Undimmed by human tears! America! America! God shed his 
grace on thee and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining 
sea!'' From the inception of our Nation, the strength of America has 
been our unwavering sense of honor, an unshakable belief that we are 
all created equal ``under God'' and our unrestrained sense of global 
humanity.
  This is the embodiment of the American Red Cross and of the vision 
articulated by Clara Barton, founder of this wonderful organization 
that has helped countless individuals in times of crisis whether 
comforting a wounded soldier during battle, assisting those who are

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recovering from a natural disaster, or administering life-saving blood 
to a sick patient. It is indeed the legacy of this organization to go 
and serve those in most need--even to the endangerment of the 
volunteer. Clara Barton once elaborated on importance of service to 
others, ``I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and 
while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse 
them.'' Though the focus of the Red Cross has grown over the years the 
tenacity to help those in need and who face grave danger has never 
wavered.
  Since 1943, every President of the United States has proclaimed March 
as American Red Cross Month and in turn, the organization uses this 
month to promote the services provided to the public each and every 
day. Communities depend on the Red Cross in times of need and the Red 
Cross depends on the support of the public to achieve its mission.
  I am pleased to join with the Red Cross and highlight the courageous 
work that this organization accomplishes year after year and celebrate 
March as American Red Cross Month. As one of the best known 
humanitarian organizations, the Red Cross has been at the forefront of 
providing aid to soldiers during times of war and peace and helping 
individuals and families prevent, prepare for and respond to large and 
small scale disasters for more than 127 years.
  I am very pleased of the work that the Kansas Red Cross has achieved 
over the years and am especially delighted to highlight the work of the 
Kansas Capital Area Chapter for their involvement in the creation of 
the ``Holiday Mail for Heroes.'' This program is a partnership between 
the Red Cross, Pitney Bowes, and the American people. Holiday Mail for 
Heroes distributes holiday cards to military veterans and active duty 
personnel throughout the world. This past year, over 1 million cards 
were received and sorted by hundreds of Red Cross volunteers. Pitney 
Bowes boxed and shipped them to different distribution sites--the 
Kansas Capital Area Chapter being one of them--and I am proud to 
report, shipped more than 1,000 cards.
  In addition, to the focus on veterans, the Red Cross also provides 
programs that promote health and safety services as well. These vital 
services help to save lives and strengthen communities through 
education, training and products that enable people to prevent, prepare 
for and respond to disasters and other life-threatening emergencies. I 
know that I am profoundly grateful for the services that the Red Cross 
has given to my state during our times of challenges with natural 
disasters.
  Last year alone, more than 5 million people took advantage of such 
educational opportunities, attending Red Cross first aid, 
cardiopulmonary resuscitation--CPR--and automated external 
defibrillation--AED--training classes. I know that I am profoundly 
grateful for the services that the Red Cross has given to my State 
during our times of challenges with natural disasters.
  Other educational programs and services include Aquatics, such as 
basic swimming lessons, lifeguarding and water safety, care-giving, and 
HIV/AIDS education.
  The American Red Cross has been able to provide services because of 
the tireless and dedicated work of volunteers, often known as ``Red 
Crossers.'' Many of these ``Red Crossers'' have been involved in their 
communities for 10, 20 or even 80 years.
  Mr. President, it is very fitting that we celebrate March as American 
Red Cross Month and continue to advance the principles of this very 
essential organization.

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