[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18410]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



  TRIBUTE TO THE GREATER KANSAS CITY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 2, 2001

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Greater Kansas 
City Chapter of the American Red Cross for its work and sacrifice in 
honor of all the people who both survived and who lost their lives in 
the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, their families and their 
friends.
  These terrorist attacks mark a solemn moment in America's history. 
American men and women, civilians and soldiers, firefighters and 
police, mothers and fathers, were slain for a cause so terrible, so 
heinous, and so despicable that we find it unimaginable and 
indescribable. United, Americans seek to find meaning and hope in a 
seemingly hopeless and meaningless act. In the days since these 
terrible terrorist attacks, America has been shoulder-to-shoulder in a 
struggle to meet the challenges of a world that is a little less safe, 
a little scarier, and far less predictable. The efforts of 
organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Red 
Cross signify the commitment and concern of Americans everywhere. Our 
nation's strength does not lie in her military might but rather in the 
collective compassion of its people.
  Since the September 11th terrorist attacks, the Greater Kansas City 
Chapter of the American Red Cross has assisted in local telethons, 
blood drives, and volunteer efforts to support the nationwide relief 
effort to provide for the grieving families and rescue workers. The 
patriotism and persistence of the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the 
American Red Cross is a lasting memorial to the thousands of victims 
who perished in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania.
  Through the days, weeks, and months ahead, all Americans must come 
together and do what they can to assist the nation's war effort. 
Whether it is giving blood, sending donations, praying for the 
thousands of grieving families, or simply saying thanks to the brave 
men and women who put their lives on the line each and every day so 
that we may be free, it is important that the American people are 
vigilant in their efforts to overcome this evil. Though our nation has 
witnessed unspeakable horror, America's virtues, determination, and 
faith continues to shine brightly on the world.
  I am confident that the United States will seek out those that harbor 
hatred, terror, and depravity in their hearts; and we will defeat them. 
This is a war that we must, can, and will win. May God bless the 
families and children grieving across this great nation and may God 
bless America.

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