    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 9 (Monday, March 7, 2005)]
    [Page 332]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 7871--American Red Cross Month, 2005

     February 28, 2005

     By the President of the United States

     of America

     A Proclamation

        Americans have a long history of rising to meet humanitarian
    challenges, and the American Red Cross is a leader in these efforts.
    Since 1881, the American Red Cross has met disaster with compassion and
    courage. During American Red Cross Month, we honor this dedication and
    reaffirm the importance of volunteering time and contributing resources
    to make our communities and the world better.
        From offering blood drives and lifesaving courses to providing
    disaster relief services at home and abroad, American Red Cross
    employees and volunteers work countless hours to care for those in need
    and serve a cause greater than self. As a result of the recent tsunami
    in the Indian Ocean, over 150,000 lives were lost and many more were
    left homeless and without food and water. The American Red Cross swiftly
    dispatched relief workers to assist those affected, and to distribute
    supplies, counsel survivors, and help people return home.
        Here at home, the American Red Cross helps support our troops by
    transmitting emergency messages to members of the Armed Forces and their
    families. In this past year, the Red Cross has also contributed
    significantly to relief efforts for hurricanes in Florida, flooding in
    Western Pennsylvania, wildfires in the Western United States, and
    mudslides in California. These good works provide hope and healing to
    those dealing with profound loss and demonstrate the character of the
    American Red Cross.
        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 2005 as American Red Cross Month. I
    commend the efforts of American Red Cross employees and volunteers, and
    I encourage all Americans to donate their time, energy, and talents to
    support this organization's humanitarian mission.
        In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth
    day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
    ninth.
                                                    George W. Bush

     [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:26 a.m., March 2,
    2005]

    Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on March
    3.