[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 48 (Thursday, March 25, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S2110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            RED CROSS MONTH

  Mr. LeMIEUX. Madam President, I rise to commemorate Red Cross Month. 
The American Red Cross is an exceptional organization, dedicated to 
helping people in time of need and providing a level of services that 
no other agencies provide. Led by volunteers and guided by its 
Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the 
International Red Cross Movement, this group provides relief to victims 
of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to 
emergencies.
  The American Red Cross has an expansive and influential reach around 
the globe and in our neighborhoods at home. From assisting victims of 
house fires or catastrophic storms here in my home State of Florida to 
helping those affected by the devastating earthquake that took place in 
Haiti a couple of months ago, the American Red Cross is there, 
mobilizing our fellow Floridians in its mission to alleviate human 
suffering and to assist us in disaster preparedness, lifesaving 
training and addressing an array of emergencies. Locally, the American 
Red Cross is also a leader in providing aquatic safety programs--
something of great importance to the State of Florida. Every day the 
Red Cross trains our friends and neighbors in lifesaving CPR, first 
aid, swimming lessons, drowning prevention and water safety 
instruction.
  Globally, the American Red Cross International Services Program 
reestablishes communication with loved ones separated by armed 
conflicts or natural disaster. Recently, the Red Cross provided family 
linkages from Haiti earthquake survivors to family members living 
abroad. In addition, our American Red Cross is unique in its mission to 
use archives located around the world to trace missing Holocaust family 
members.
  A community-funded and supported organization, the American Red Cross 
provides around-the-clock emergency services, every day, 24/7. When the 
American Red Cross arrives on the scene, its staff and volunteers are 
armed with compassion and support. As we saw during the response to the 
earthquake in Haiti, you can always count on our Florida chapters of 
the American Red Cross to be in the forefront when our community needs 
them, time and time again.
  I am proud to join with my colleagues in recognizing the Red Cross 
and thanking the staff and volunteers for their many contributions to 
our neighborhoods, communities and State.

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