[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 9 (Monday, March 7, 1994)]
[Pages 415-416]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6653--American Red Cross Month, 1994

March 2, 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.

[[Page 416]]

    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.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 12:28 p.m., March 4, 
1994]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
March 8.