[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 171 (Wednesday, November 30, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1541-E1542]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN CELEBRATION OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY IN 
                                INDIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 30, 2016

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the Indiana Chapter of the American Red Cross in celebration of its 
100th anniversary. This dynamic humanitarian organization has made 
significant contributions to the state of Indiana, to the nation, and 
around the world. It is my privilege to honor the American Red Cross as 
it celebrates 100 years of excellence in Indiana. The people of 
Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever grateful for their 
exceptional service and dedication to our Hoosier community.
  Inspired by the Swiss Red Cross Network, Clara Barton founded the 
American Red Cross on May 21, 1881, in Washington, DC. The Red Cross 
received its first congressional charter in 1900 and the second in 
1905. Shortly thereafter, the American Red Cross opened their Indiana 
Chapter in 1916. They have delivered aid in disaster relief, helped 
feed hungry children, and provided care for the sick. They provide 
care, shelter, service to veterans, and access to lifesaving blood. 
Through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, the 
American Red Cross has made a lasting impact in the lives of Hoosiers 
in their time of greatest need. Over 500,000 volunteers work across 
America, and more than 3,500 volunteers work to help their fellow 
Hoosiers in the face of disaster here at home. In 2015 alone the 
Indiana Red Cross helped 1,300 families through the aftermath of home 
fires. The Red Cross currently serves 6.3 million Hoosiers across 87 
counties in Indiana.
  The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the 
face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the 
generosity of donors. Born out of the desire to help without 
discrimination those wounded on the battlefield, the American Red Cross 
carries on its legacy by working to prevent and alleviate human 
suffering wherever it is found, both nationally and internationally. 
All people receive the care, shelter, and hope they need in the face of 
a disaster. Since 2006, the Red Cross and FEMA have worked together to 
help government agencies and community organizations plan, coordinate 
and provide feeding, sheltering and family reunification services for 
people affected by disasters.
  Volunteers carry out 90 percent of the humanitarian work done by the 
Red Cross. Hoosiers and Americans across the country have the 
opportunity to translate their care and concern for people down the 
street, across the country and around the world through the American 
Red Cross. They not only give back to the community, but it also gives 
the community the ability to give back to the world.

[[Page E1542]]

  On behalf of the citizens of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, 
I would like to congratulate the Indiana Chapter of the American Red 
Cross on the celebration of its centennial anniversary. I am proud that 
our Hoosier state is home to an exemplary organization such as this 
one. I wish the Indiana Chapter of the American Red Cross all the best 
as it embarks on its next 100 years of excellence in Indiana.

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