American Red Cross Month, 2006

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7982 of February 24, 2006

American Red Cross Month, 2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Throughout our Nation's history, Americans have worked
together to care for those in need. The work of the
American Red Cross exemplifies this tradition and
reflects the good heart of our country. This year
during American Red Cross Month, we recognize this
organization for its 125 years of faithful service to
our Nation and for its continued mission to help those
in need at home and abroad.

Since Clara Barton founded the organization in 1881,
the American Red Cross has offered aid and disaster
relief to millions of individuals. From conducting
blood drives and arranging family communications and
other forms of support for our troops to providing
relief for victims of natural disasters, the American
Red Cross carries out emergency response around the
globe. Local chapters help American communities respond
to regional catastrophes and promote emergency
preparedness with American Red Cross First Aid and CPR
courses. Members of these chapters serve their
communities by visiting homebound seniors, mentoring
youth, distributing hot lunches, volunteering at
homeless shelters, and offering transitional housing.
They also educate young people on violence and
substance abuse prevention and help in hospitals and
nursing homes.

In 2005, a devastating hurricane season left millions
displaced and homeless. The American Red Cross network
of more than 800 chapters and thousands of volunteers
provided food, shelter, counseling, and care to more
than a million Gulf Coast families. Working in
coordination with the International Red Cross and Red
Crescent Movement, the American Red Cross has also
assisted with relief efforts for victims of hurricanes
and landslides in Latin America and the recent
earthquake in South Asia.

By donating their time and energy to selflessly serve
others, American Red Cross volunteers demonstrate the
compassion and generosity for which Americans are
known. Their service paves the way to a brighter future
for our citizens and people around the world.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, 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 2006 as American Red
Cross Month. I commend the good work of the American
Red Cross, and I encourage all Americans to continue to
help the recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast region and
around the world through volunteering their time,
energy, and talents for others.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B