[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 23526-23527]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE BLOOD OF THE MARTYRS--MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. 
                              BLOOD DRIVE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 22, 2002

  Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the Blood of the Martyrs--Martin Luther King, Jr. Blood Drive and its 
sponsors, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lansing, the American National 
Red Cross, and the National Black Catholic Congress. This very 
important blood drive will take place from January 15-22, 2003 as part 
of National Blood Donor Month.
  The Second Annual Blood of the Martyrs--Martin Luther King, Jr. blood 
drive in 2002 was met with a response of nearly 650 donors, who donated 
a total of 520 pints. These pints provided a supply of 2,080 blood 
units to be used for patients needs. I offer heartfelt thanks to all 
those who gave last year and contributed to this wonderful turnout.
  The goal for this year's drive is 1205 productive units of blood 
which will result in blood supplies for nearly 5000 people. I encourage 
everyone who is able to donate blood, to do so for this worthy cause--
it may be you who saves a life!
  Mr. Speaker, at this time in our Nation's history, when our President 
is encouraging all Americans to serve a purpose greater than 
themselves, when we must rely on our neighbors, I can think of few ways 
to better serve our fellow Americans than by giving the gift of life, 
by donating blood.

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