American and Lao staff at the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane teamed up with the Lao Red Cross to mark the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks by organizing a blood donation drive.
The U.S. Embassy decided to mark the occasion with a blood drive following recent statements from the Lao Red Cross that demand for blood in Laos was far outstripping supply. In his remarks before donating blood, U.S. Embassy Vientiane’s Chargé d’Affaires Paul Mayer discussed the importance of giving back to the community in which we all live and work. “I am proud to see the number of American and local staff from the Embassy who came to donate blood today. Regardless of where we come from, right now we call Vientiane our home.
We work here, we live here, and we raise our families here. When we donate blood, we give a “gift of life” that can help any neighbor, at any place, at any time. Giving a little means a lot.”
U.S. President Barack Obama has designated September 11 a day of service and remembrance. Around the world, Americans are marking the solemn anniversary by participating in volunteer and humanitarian activities.
Mr. Mayer urged those in attendance “not only to remember the horrific images of the September 11 attacks, but also the way in which people around the world joined together to offer assistance in the aftermath of the attacks”.
Throughout the day, employees of the U.S. Embassy arrived at the center to donate blood. In total, more than 100 Embassy employees registered to give blood.
