[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 142 (Friday, October 11, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  HONORING THE ORGANIZERS OF THE LAC-MEGANTIC BENEFIT CONCERT AND THE 
                         AREA FIRST RESPONDERS

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 11, 2013

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the people of 
Farmington, Maine, who continue to aid and assist the residents of 
their ``sister city,'' the town of Lac-Megantic, a small town located 
near the Canadian border.
  Early on the morning of July 6, 2013, a train derailment and 
horrendous explosion devastated the center of this scenic lake-side 
town of 6,000 residents. 40 buildings were destroyed, 47 people lost 
their lives, 2,000 residents were displaced and countless lives were 
forever changed. The heroism of the local fire department aided by fire 
crews from the Franklin County towns of Chesterville, Eustis, 
Farmington, New Vineyard, Phillips, Rangeley and Strong helped to avert 
an even greater tragedy.
  In rural Maine, people know what it means to be a good neighbor, and 
I am heartened by the outpouring of support that has come from the 
local communities. Four days after the tragedy, local business leaders 
and municipalities joined together to launch the Lac-Megantic Relief 
Fund, a fundraising campaign to assist the town to recover from this 
disaster. At last report, over $32,000 has been raised, and I know that 
this generosity will help the town through this difficult time.
  On Saturday, October 12, 2013, a benefit concert will be held in the 
University of Maine at Farmington's South Dining Hall, and the 
community will host Lac-Megantie's mayor, police chief and head of the 
Chamber of Commerce. I want to thank Farmington Selectman Ryan Morgan, 
the Wilton Selectmen, and Maine State Senator Tom Saviello for their 
hard work in organizing what will be a wonderful evening of 
entertainment, fellowship and solidarity.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring all of the first-responder 
heroes who responded to the Lac-Megantic tragedy and those fellow 
Mainers who continue to support this community as it rebuilds and 
recovers.

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