American Red Cross Month, 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 donations
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.