In recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the Cape, Islands and Southeast Massachusetts Chapter of the American Red Cross -- Hon. William R. Keating

Floor Speech

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Cape, Islands and Southeast Massachusetts Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Established in 1915, this Chapter of the American Red Cross of Massachusetts has served as a lifeline within our community--responding to the needs of residents and visitors alike by providing food, shelter and other disaster assistance in emergencies, teaching lifesaving skills, and organizing blood drives. The Cape, Islands, and Southeast Chapter reaches a population of more than 1.2 million people across Barnstable, Bristol, Plymouth, Nantucket and Dukes counties and saves millions more from suffering the harm or loss of a loved one.

The American Red Cross of Massachusetts has served as a pillar for our community through the world's most trying times and through local and regional challenges. During the First World War, the Red Cross notably sent nurses to treat recovering soldiers and undertook initiatives such as knitting over 90,000 pairs of socks and treating the sick infected with influenza during the height of the epidemic. In 1955 when Hurricanes Edna, Carol and Hazel hit Massachusetts the Chapter provided shelter and food services to over 200 people across Cape Cod. By 1991, the number of people it was able to provide shelter to had increased to 17,000. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks the Chapter's blood drives was inundated with willing volunteers that individuals were asked to return at a later date. Chapter volunteers responded once again when Hurricane Katrina struck the shores of the southern United States by sending volunteers down to the areas hardest hit. And, most recently, when tragedy struck closer to home at the Boston Marathon in 2013, Chapter volunteers were quick to become involved in relief efforts.

Furthermore, this Chapter has a global reach. Volunteers have gone on to serve in the International Red Cross across the globe, from war-torn Afghanistan to impoverished African nations. Chapter volunteers exemplify the Red Cross' mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. I am proud of the work they have done in Southeast Massachusetts and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Cape, Islands and Southeast Massachusetts Chapter of the American Red Cross. I take comfort knowing that this Chapter will remain a vital humanitarian organization in not only the Commonwealth, but across the nation and the world, for generations to come.

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