[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 30, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E569-E570]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE 12TH ANNUAL MARCH IS RED CROSS MONTH GALA AND THE 
   FORMATION OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 30, 2011

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
12th Annual March Is Red Cross Month Gala and the formation of the 
American Red Cross in the National Capital Region.
  The gala is traditionally held in the Prince William community to 
commemorate the work of the local chapter of the American Red Cross. 
This year's event also celebrates the establishment of the American Red 
Cross in the National Capital Region, which now serves the communities 
of Prince William, Loudoun, Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria in 
Virginia, the District of Columbia and Prince George's and Montgomery 
in Maryland.
  Our community is enriched in many ways by the American Red Cross in 
the National Capital Region. The American Red Cross shelters feed and 
provide emotional support to victims of disasters; supply nearly half 
of the nation's blood donation stockpile; teach lifesaving skills; 
provide international humanitarian aid; and support military members 
and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization and 
depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to 
perform its mission.
  Red Cross offices in Northern Virginia, Maryland and the District of 
Columbia are combining their operations to deliver a seamless system 
that carries out the mission of the American Red Cross. The strength of 
the American Red Cross and the commitment of

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its paid and volunteer staff throughout our region help us prepare for 
and respond to emergencies down the street, across the country and 
around the world.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the 12th 
Annual March Is Red Cross Month Gala and the formation of the American 
Red Cross in the National Capital Region. The Red Cross has always 
depended on the cooperation of communities, neighbors, and volunteers, 
and this new regional endeavor is in keeping with that tradition.

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