American Red Cross Month, 2012

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8778 of March 1, 2012

American Red Cross Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

After more than 130 years of providing humanitarian
relief at home and abroad, the American Red Cross
remains a reflection of the compassion and generosity
central to our national identity. At moments of
profound need, the actions of men and women across our
country reflect our noblest ideals of service--from
search-and-rescue teams that brave disaster zones to
ordinary citizens who deliver not only lifesaving care
and supplies, but also hope for a brighter tomorrow.
During American Red Cross Month, we pay tribute to all
those whose dedication to relieving human suffering
illuminates even our darkest hours.

A visionary humanitarian and unyielding advocate for
those in need, Clara Barton founded the American Red
Cross in 1881 after many years of tending to soldiers
and families injured in war's wake. In the generations
that followed, the American Red Cross served as a force
for peace and recovery during times of crisis.
Presidents of the United States have called upon the
American Red Cross time and again, beginning when
President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Red Cross Week
during the First World War, and continuing into the
21st century.

Today, emergency response organizations like the
American Red Cross continue to play a vital role in
responding to disasters that cast countless lives and
communities into harm's way. When devastating storms
struck cities spanning the Midwest to the Eastern
Seaboard this past year, the American Red Cross and
other relief organizations were instrumental partners
in preparedness, response, and recovery. And when a
devastating earthquake shook Japan's Pacific coast,
they answered by extending support to the people of
Japan and standing with them as they rebuild.

We are reminded in times like these that the strength
of our humanitarian response and the measure of our
resilience are drawn not only from the committed action
of relief organizations, but also from individuals who
step forward, volunteer, or give what they can to help
their neighbors in need. With generous spirits and can-
do attitudes, Americans from every corner of our
country have come together again and again to show the
true character of our Nation. As we celebrate American
Red Cross Month, let us resolve to preserve and renew
that humanitarian impulse to save, to serve, and to
build, and carry it forward in the year to come.

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 the laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim March 2012 as American Red
Cross Month. I encourage all Americans to observe this
month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and
activities, and by supporting the work of service and
relief organizations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
first day of March, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.