President Bush Declares March As Red Cross Month

In a tradition dating back to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, President George W. Bush declared March as Red Cross Month, calling it a time to "honor this charitable organization" and "reflect on its remarkable achievements and contributions to our country."

In a Proclamation signed today, the President cited examples of how the Red Cross had provided food, comfort and medical assistance to the victims of a number of disasters in 2007, from the tragic bridge collapse in Minnesota to the devastating wildfires in California. He also noted how the Red Cross provides vital assistance by organizing blood drives, teaching health and safety programs, and supporting our men and women in uniform.

Throughout the month, 750 Red Cross chapters across the country will celebrate in a variety of ways, including holding special events, trainings or fundraisers to give people an opportunity to support the organization through donations of time, money or blood. The Red Cross is also launching a new national advertising campaign with the message that when you support the American Red Cross, you change a life, starting with your own. You can view the new campaign here: http://www.redcross.org/advertising. The Red Cross also holds its National Convention in March.

The Red Cross also uses March to urge all Americans to get prepared. There are three simple actions to get "Red Cross Ready" for disasters and other emergencies: 1) Get a kit, 2) Make a plan and 3) Be informed.

"I thank President Bush for his support of the American Red Cross and for today's proclamation of March as Red Cross Month," said Mary S. Elcano, Acting President and CEO of the American Red Cross. "We hope all Americans will consider supporting the Red Cross so that we can be there whether it is a hurricane or a heart attack, a call for blood or a call for help."

The public can go to http://www.redcross.org to find out how they can support the Red Cross.

The full text of the President's proclamation:

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

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 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