American Red Cross Month, 1994

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Editorial note: For the President's statement on this
Executive order, see issue 9 of the Weekly Compilation
of Presidential Documents.

Federal Register
Vol. 59, No. 45
Tuesday, March 8, 1994

____________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President
Proclamation 6653 of March 2, 1994

American Red Cross Month, 1994

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Over a century ago, Clara Barton founded the American
Red Cross to provide hope, compassion, and care to
victims of catastrophe and destruction. Today over 150
countries uphold the idea of neutral and impartial
assistance to all people in times of great pain,
disaster, or war. In 2,600 chapters across the United
States, and on 200 U.S. military installations around
the world, over 1.4 million American Red Cross
volunteers and more than 23,000 paid staff work
diligently to save lives and to assist those in crisis.

It is fitting that in this month, which celebrates the
coming of spring and the rebirth of nature, we take the
time to acknowledge the many outstanding
accomplishments of the American Red Cross. As the
Honorary Chairman of this praiseworthy organization, I
am proud to commend everyone who is associated with its
life-saving efforts. The dedicated members of this
organization have enabled thousands of people who
thought hope had abandoned them to experience new and
bright beginnings. Since 1881 the American Red Cross
has helped millions who have entered its doors seeking
shelter, food, financial assistance, training, and most
important, compassion.

The last 12 months will go down in history as a litany
of disasters of every description, from the Midwest
floods to the California fires and earthquakes to the
winter storms that gripped a large part of the country.
The American Red Cross rose to each challenge in its
usual timely and efficient manner, restoring hope for
so many in need. The Red Cross is in the business of
responding to disasters, large and small, 365 days a
year. It also provides blood to hospital patients, who
otherwise might not survive.

For many, the Great Flood of 1993 did not become a
frightening headline until well into the summer. For
the American Red Cross, however, the floodwaters had
been a serious concern since early spring. Nine months
after the flooding started, over 20,000 Red Cross
workers had participated in the relief operation, more
than 2.8 million meals had been served, and
approximately 35,000 families had received assistance
from Red Cross caseworkers.

While thousands of Red Cross workers helped victims
recover from the floodwaters in the Midwest, Red Cross
personnel in California faced a different challenge--
fire. Hundreds of families fleeing the raging
California fires found haven in Red Cross shelters.
Fire victims were provided comfort and strength as they
tried to rebuild their lives out of the ashes.

As 1993 came to a close and many of us began preparing
for holiday meals, the Red Cross also was preparing
meals--for cold and hungry people, victims of the
winter storms that lashed out across the Nation. Once
again, feeding vans were busily dispensing hot coffee
and sandwiches, comfort and hope. The Red Cross set up
over 100 shelters in 6 states, bringing security and
warmth to those in need.

The year 1994 began with nature's awesome display of
power, tearing Southern California asunder in the
Northridge earthquakes. Again the Red Cross was there
to help those left homeless and hungry.

Thanks to the American Red Cross blood program,
thousands receive life-giving donations and are able to
enjoy one more birthday, one more anniversary, one more
day of sunshine. The American Red Cross collects,
processes, and distributes more than half the Nation's
blood supply--all while ensuring that it is the safest
in the world. Over 6 million times last year, donors
came to the Red Cross to give the gift of life to
others.

Through the network of the International Red Cross and
Red Crescent Movement, families around our globe were
able to locate and communicate with loved ones with
whom they had lost contact due to wars or refugee
movements. Prisoners of war saw hope come into their
cells in the form of a Red Cross emblem. American Red
Cross delegates called such places as Armenia, Croatia,
and Cambodia home last year as they brought medical
care, skilled relief workers, food, and reassurance to
countries suffering from the ravages of disaster,
disease, and war.

The Red Cross has earned our abiding respect, and we
look forward to seeing its symbol of hope continue to
shine brightly across this great land. A very grateful
Nation thanks the American Red Cross for a job
extremely well done.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim the month of March 1994, as
``American Red Cross Month.'' I urge all Americans to
continue their generous support of the Red Cross and
its chapters nationwide through contributions of time,
funds, and blood donations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
second day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred and ninety-four, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and
eighteenth.

(Presidential Sig.)>