[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 

PROCLAMATION 8346--FEB. 27, 2009

Proclamation 8346 of February 27, 2009
American Red Cross Month, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Sixty-two years after its founding, the Red Cross was instrumental in
what President Franklin D. Roosevelt called the ``greatest single
crusade of mercy in all of history.'' In 1943, at the height of World
War II, President Roosevelt called on the American people to support the
troops by supporting the Red Cross, which provided food, blood, and
supplies to American troops, allies, and civilians across the world.
President Roosevelt asked Americans to donate funds to the Red Cross,
setting a goal of $125 million for 6 weeks of fundraising. The American
people responded with characteristic generosity, opening their hearts
and wallets. The Red Cross met this goal in less than 6 weeks. During
that season of generosity and unity, President Roosevelt proclaimed
March 1943 as the first Red Cross Month.
The Red Cross has continued to serve those suffering from large- and
small-scale disasters. The organization is best known for its work
helping communities deal with major disasters such as hurricanes,
floods, and wildfires. These large-scale disasters represent a major
part of the work of the American Red Cross. Just as important are the
tens of thousands of small-scale disasters that occur every day in
communities nationwide, and the volunteers who respond to them. These
efforts include supporting our military and their families, collecting
and distributing blood, helping the needy, delivering health and safety
education, and providing aid abroad.
In every response, volunteers are the key to Red Cross efforts.
Volunteers represent 96 percent of the Red Cross workforce. Without
their giving spirit, disaster relief operations would fall short, blood
dona-

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tions would fail, and the mission of the Red Cross would go unfulfilled.
Whether helping military families stay connected with service members
around the world, teaching CPR and first aid, or supporting other
members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement,
volunteers are critical to the success of each and every Red Cross
endeavor. These individuals epitomize the generosity and community
spirit of the American people.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America and Honorary Chairman of the American Red Cross, by virtue of
the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States do hereby proclaim March 2009 as American Red Cross Month. I
encourage all Americans to support this organization's noble
humanitarian mission.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day
of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
BARACK OBAMA