President Thanks Red Cross, DC Schoolchildren for Helping Russian Terror Victims
The South Portico
10:57 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Listen, thank you all for coming. The barbaric
terrorist attack on a Russian school three 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, D.C. Thank you all
for coming. They helped organize a toy and school supply drive for the
children of Beslan.
Kesley 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.
MS. 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, Yuri
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.