Contact: Office of Public Information, 240-777-6530
For Immediate Release: September 12, 2001

DUNCAN URGES SHOW OF UNITY IN
AFTERMATH OF TRAGEDIES

In the wake of yesterday’s tragedies in New York City and Washington, D.C., Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan cancelled all scheduled appointments on his calendar and spent the day participating in emergency planning activities related to this disaster.

“I urge all County residents to fly the American flag as a show of our strength and resolve in the face of adversity and would ask that those who would like to donate blood call the Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE LIFE and schedule an appointment at some time in the near future when the need is likely to be the greatest,” said Duncan.

After issuing an order to all of the County’s urban districts to display American flags, Duncan visited the Mid-County Regional Services Center and assisted the urban crews in hanging the flags throughout Wheaton. Duncan urged County residents to display American flags at their homes to show solidarity and support for all citizens affected by this tragedy.

Duncan and his wife, Barbara, also visited the headquarters of the Montgomery County Chapter of the American Red Cross in Silver Spring to donate blood to aid in the effort of replenishing national blood supplies in light of yesterday’s disasters. All residents, who are able to do so, are urged to make appointments to donate blood to their local Red Cross bank. To make an appointment, residents should call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.

Duncan also planned to visit members of Montgomery County’s Urban Search and Rescue Team who have been detailed to the Pentagon to assist with recovery efforts. The Urban Search and Rescue Task Force is a highly specialized group of fire fighters, paramedics, and civilian rescue specialists.