[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.