American Red Cross Month, 2023

Proclamation 10524 of February 28, 2023

American Red Cross Month, 2023

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In the aftermath of the Civil War, Clara Barton founded
the American Red Cross. Its national headquarters, just
a few blocks from the White House, was built as a
memorial to the women of the Civil War. For nearly 142
years, the employees, volunteers, and supporters of the
American Red Cross have met loss and disaster with
compassion and care. They remind us that we must leave
no one behind. This month, we celebrate the ordinary
citizens who perform extraordinary acts of service, and
we honor the Red Cross for its commitment to making our
country and world a better place.

Across America, I have seen the work of the Red Cross
firsthand. When hurricanes make landfall and
floodwaters rise, the Red Cross is ready to provide
food, shelter, and emergency supplies. When wildfires
spread and tornadoes uproot communities, volunteers
arrive from around the country to help survivors heal,
recover, and rebuild. We have also turned to the
American Red Cross to respond to crises overseas in the
wake of natural disasters and in preparation for
emergencies before they happen. The old saying is still
true today: The Red Cross is always there.

During American Red Cross Month, I encourage Americans
to learn more about the steps involved in donating
blood by visiting redcross.org. If you can give blood,
I hope you will. I also encourage Americans to learn or
teach first aid and to participate in Sound the Alarm
events to prevent home fires. It is in our Nation's DNA
to lift each other up, especially on the frontlines of
emergencies and disasters. I know that Americans will
always answer the call--doing whatever it takes for as
long as it takes to help out those in need.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of
the United States of America and Honorary Chair of the
American Red Cross, by virtue of the authority vested
in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim March 2023 as American Red
Cross Month. I encourage all Americans to observe this
month with relevant programs, ceremonies, and
activities, and to support the work of service and
relief organizations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-eighth day of February, in the year of our Lord
two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
seventh.