    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book II)]
    [September 24, 2004]
    [Pages 2199-2200]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Relief Efforts for Beslan, Russia
    September 24, 2004

        The President. Listen, thank you all for coming. The barbaric
    terrorist attack on a Russian school 3 weeks ago sickened the world.
    America grieves with the people of Russia, and we pray for the innocent
    victims and their families in Beslan.
        In America, we've witnessed an outpouring of compassion for the
    Russian people. Today I'm joined by Sue Huddle
    and her students from John Quincy Adams Elementary School in Washington,
    DC. Thank you all for coming. They helped organize a toy and school
    supply drive for the children of Beslan.
        Kelsey O'Marra is here too. She is a
    seventh grader at Connelly School of the Holy Child in Potomac,
    Maryland. She helped lead a school fundraiser to help the victims of
    Beslan. Kelsey, thank you for your leadership and your compassion.
        These children show the sympathy and compassion and generosity of
    our whole Nation. I'm also joined by Marty Evans, the President of the American Red Cross. Thanks for
    coming, Marty.
        Marty Evans. Yes, sir.
        The President. The Red Cross is working hard to make sure the people
    in Beslan get the help they need. Red Cross and Red Crescent societies
    around the world have already received $680,000 in donations for aid to
    Russia, enough to provide emergency medical care and counseling for
    2,000 people. I want to thank Marty for her
    leadership and her tireless efforts. I thank all Americans who have
    contributed

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    to this important cause. I hope many more will donate in the days ahead.
        I'm also honored to be with the Ambassador from Russia, Yuriy
    Ushakov. Thank you, Mr.
    Ambassador, for coming. He's here with the children from the Russian
    Embassy School. Earlier this month, I went to the Russian Embassy to
    express my condolences on behalf of the American people. The atrocities
    in Beslan reinforce the need for free nations to work together for peace
    and security. All Americans stand with the people of Russia in this wake
    of tragedy. We will stand with them as they rebuild, just like we stand
    with the people of Florida.
        Another storm is headed in that direction. It will be another test
    of will and compassion. I know the Red Cross is ready, and I want to
    thank the Red Cross for being ready the help the citizens of that
    beleaguered State one more time. We extend our prayers to the people
    down there. We hope for the very best. The Federal Government, the
    armies of compassion stand ready to help.
        Thank you all for coming. Thank you for your compassion. May God
    bless the people of Russia and the United States. Thank you very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:57 a.m. on the South Portico at the
    White House.