[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 39 (Monday, September 27, 2004)]
[Page 2126]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on Departure for Janesville, Wisconsin

September 24, 2004

Relief Efforts for Beslan, Russia

    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 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.