[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 9 (Monday, March 6, 2006)]
[Pages 347-348]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7982--American Red Cross Month, 2006

 February 24, 2006

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Throughout our Nation's history, Americans have worked together to 
care for those in need. The work of the American Red Cross exemplifies 
this tradition and reflects the good heart of our country. This year 
during American Red Cross Month, we recognize this organization for its 
125 years of faithful service to our Nation and for its continued 
mission to help those in need at home and abroad.
    Since Clara Barton founded the organization in 1881, the American 
Red Cross has offered aid and disaster relief to millions of 
individuals. From conducting blood drives and arranging family 
communications and other forms of support for our troops to providing 
relief for victims of natural disasters, the American Red Cross carries 
out emergency response around the globe. Local chapters help American 
communities respond to regional catastrophes and promote emergency 
preparedness with American Red Cross First Aid and CPR courses. Members 
of these chapters serve their communities by visiting homebound seniors, 
mentoring youth, distributing hot lunches, volunteering at homeless 
shelters, and offering transitional housing. They also educate young 
people on violence and substance abuse prevention and help in hospitals 
and nursing homes.
    In 2005, a devastating hurricane season left millions displaced and 
homeless. The American Red Cross network of more than 800 chapters and 
thousands of volunteers provided food, shelter, counseling, and care
to more than a million Gulf Coast families. Working in coordination with 
the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the American Red 
Cross has also assisted with relief efforts for victims of hurricanes 
and landslides in Latin America and the recent earthquake in South Asia.
    By donating their time and energy to selflessly serve others, 
American Red Cross volunteers demonstrate the compassion and generosity 
for which Americans are known. Their service paves the way to a brighter 
future for our citizens and people around the world.
    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 2006 as American Red Cross Month. I 
commend the good work of the American Red Cross, and I encourage all 
Americans to continue to help the recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast 
region and around the world through volunteering their time, energy, and 
talents for others.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth 
day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.

                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., February 28, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on March 
1. This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.

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