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2002 SESSION


HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 24
Commending the American Red Cross for its response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 24, 2002

WHEREAS, on September 11, 2001, terrorists launched a violent attack on the United States, causing great destruction and horrible human suffering in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, the attack had a devastating effect in Virginia, home of the Pentagon and of many of the personnel, military and civilian, who served there; and

WHEREAS, immediately after the attacks, the American public responded with an unprecedented outpouring of generosity, often turning to the American Red Cross with donations of blood, time, and money; and

WHEREAS, the American Red Cross responded immediately after the attacks with a relief effort that included an initial $100 million gift program to provide immediate relief to the families who lost loved ones at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon; and

WHEREAS, this initial effort quickly grew to the point that by the end of 2001 the Red Cross had distributed more than $317 million from its Liberty Disaster Fund to assist some 36,000 families affected by the September 11 attacks; and

WHEREAS, because of the incredible generosity of the American people and contributors from around the world, the Liberty Fund grew to more than $660 million in early 2002; and

WHEREAS, in addition to cash assistance, more than 50,000 American Red Cross volunteers helped deliver aid and services to more than 54,000 families affected by the events of September 11, offering counseling, access to financial assistance, family support, and other services; and

WHEREAS, the American Red Cross played a vital role in the recovery efforts resulting from the September 11 attacks, and its good work continues on behalf of the victims, their families, and the thousands of individuals involved in rescue and recovery operations; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates commend the American Red Cross for its prompt, sensitive, generous, and effective response to the tragedy of September 11, 2001; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit a copy of this resolution to the American Red Cross as an expression of the House of Delegates’ admiration and gratitude for the organization's exceptional work on behalf of the victims of the September 11 attacks.