[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 77 (Wednesday, May 21, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S3231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      JOHNSTOWN FLOOD ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 125th 
Anniversary of the Johnstown Flood, one of the most unforgettable 
tragedies in our Nation's history. This anniversary reminds us of the 
delicacy of human life, the great importance of caring for others, and 
the true resilience that was demonstrated by those who endured the 
catastrophe.
  At approximately 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 1889, the South Fork 
Dam, built to hold back a portion of the Conemaugh River, gave way, 
releasing 20 million tons of water into the valley below. The wall of 
water rushed towards the City of Johnstown, 15 miles to the southwest, 
picking up large quantities of debris and sweeping away whole towns. It 
finally hit Johnstown just after 4:00 p.m.
  The flood event and ensuing typhoid outbreak claimed 10 percent of 
Johnstown's citizens; 2,209 people lost their lives, including 396 
children and 99 whole families, resulting in the largest loss of 
civilian life in a single day until the September 11, 2001 terrorist 
attacks.
  The tragedy left our Nation and larger global family in shock. The 
Johnstown Flood was the largest news story of its day and resulted in 
the single largest international humanitarian fundraising effort to 
date, with donations contributed from 13 countries. Clara Barton and 
five Red Cross workers arrived from Washington, DC, on June 5, 1889, 
making the Johnstown Flood the first major peacetime relief effort for 
the American Red Cross. Barton stayed until October 24, 1889, 
supervising the distribution of supplies and helping more than 25,000 
people.
  The Governor of Pennsylvania called on his constituents to rebuild 
and reopen the rail lines that had been wiped away. Within 14 days, 20 
miles of railway reopened ensuring access to the lifesaving supplies 
arriving from the surrounding region.
  During this anniversary we can recall these examples as just a few of 
countless stories of heroism. The survivors lived on to rebuild 
Johnstown. More importantly, they established a spirit of endurance 
that would live on in future generations.
  The flood is a part of the history of Johnstown that will not be 
forgotten. The people of Johnstown and the Conemaugh Valley exhibit an 
indescribable human strength that rises above devastation and exhibits 
a true example of hope and determination during difficult 
times.

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