[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7759 of March 3, 2004


 
American Red Cross Month, 2004


By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton and chartered
by the Congress in 1905 to provide humanitarian services to the United
States in times of need. Today, the Red Cross remains dedicated to
relieving suffering by helping our citizens prepare for and respond to
emergencies and natural disasters.
The Red Cross exemplifies one of the great strengths of America--the
compassion of our people. Each year, the Red Cross responds to tens of
thousands of disasters in the United States, from home fires and
earthquakes to tornadoes and chemical spills. In Afghanistan and Iraq,
the Red Cross is serving military families by delivering emergency
messages between deployed members of our Armed Forces and their
families. Through International Response Teams, the Red Cross provides
vital aid overseas to the victims of disease, famine, war, and natural
disasters. The Red Cross also educates individuals, families, schools,
businesses, and communities about the importance of disaster
preparedness, especially after the terrorist attacks of September 11,
2001. By offering health and safety training such as first aid, CPR, and
aquatic lifesaving, and by facilitating the collection of millions of
units of blood for donation, the Red Cross helps our country to handle
emergencies.
Many of the essential services of the American Red Cross are provided by
volunteers who give their time and energy to help fellow citizens in
need. During Red Cross relief operations, these volunteers assess
damages, drive emergency response vehicles to distribute food and other
supplies to people, and shelter families who have been evacuated from
their homes. As we celebrate American Red Cross Month, I encourage all
Americans to commit themselves to helping others by volunteering in
their communities.
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 2004 as American Red Cross Month. I
urge all Americans to support this organization's humanitarian mission.
On behalf of a grateful Nation, we also applaud the selfless dedication
of Red Cross employees and volunteers.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of March,
in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH



[[Page 4110]]
118 STAT. 4110

PROCLAMATION 7760--MAR. 5, 2004