Wes Watkins: “I rise today to commend the students of Richmond Elementary and Will Rogers Elementary School in my hometown of…”

“I rise today to commend the students of Richmond Elementary and Will Rogers Elementary School in my hometown of Stillwater, Oklahoma, for their efforts and contributions to help the children of Afghanistan. This past Monday, I met with my friend, Dr. Ann Dugger, and the school's principal, Dr. Gay Washington, of Richmond and also Mrs. Jerry Walstad of Will Rogers Elementary, and spoke to several hundred school students who gathered for an assembly. At this assembly it was announced that the children had raised more than $500, and I was asked to deliver the check to the appropriate person from the White House for America's Fund for Afghan Children. Yesterday I met with Governor Tom Ridge, Director of Homeland Security, and Bob Marsh, the White House liaison, about the contributions from the Stillwater schoolchildren. We can all be proud of the unselfish acts of kindness and generosity exhibited by these young Americans. Mr. Speaker, today I ask the House to join me in thanking these schoolchildren from Stillwater, and encourage other schoolchildren around our Nation, for being shining examples of America's compassion. These children, like our children and grandchildren, have the right to live without fear. That is why we are fighting the war against terrorism.”