[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8778--MAR. 1, 2012

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



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Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA