[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 8 (Monday, March 3, 2008)]
[Pages 298-299]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8221--American Red Cross Month, 2008

 February 28, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    In 1881, Clara Barton established the American Red Cross, and for 
years afterward, she led that organization in its noble cause to provide 
healing, comfort, and hope to those in need. Today, her legacy lives on 
through the millions of individuals who have answered the timeless call 
to serve others. During American Red Cross Month, we honor this 
charitable organization, and we reflect on its remarkable achievements 
and contributions to our country.
    The American Red Cross exemplifies the good heart of this Nation by 
leading humanitarian efforts at home and around the world. This past 
year the American Red Cross provided food, comfort, and medical 
assistance to the victims of the tragic bridge collapse in Minnesota, 
the devastating wildfires in

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California, and the tornadoes that affected several Southern States. 
From the mountains of Peru to the lowlands of Bangladesh, the American 
Red Cross and its partners helped to provide relief abroad to those 
affected by natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies.
    The American Red Cross also helps provide vital assistance by 
organizing blood drives, teaching health and safety programs, and 
providing lifesaving supplies. By compassionately supporting our men and 
women in uniform and their families, it helps to lift the spirits of our 
wounded warriors. During this month, we send our heartfelt gratitude to 
the volunteers and staff 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 2008 as American Red Cross Month. I 
commend the dedicated efforts of the American Red Cross, and I encourage 
all Americans to help make our world a better place by volunteering 
their time, energy, and talents for others.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth 
day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:58 a.m., February 29, 
2008]

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