Presidential Documents

9325 

Federal Register 

Vol. 75, No. 39 

Monday, March 1, 2010 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 8478 of February 24, 2010 

American Red Cross Month, 2010 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

From rebuilding former adversaries after World War II, to combating HIV/ 

AIDS in Africa, to saving lives after the tragic earthquake in Haiti, the 

American people have an unmatched tradition of responding to challenges 

at home and abroad with compassion and generosity. This tradition reflects 

our Nation’s noblest ideals and has led people around the world to see 

the United States as a beacon of hope. During American Red Cross Month, 

we honor the organizations across our country that contribute to our Nation’s 

ongoing efforts to relieve human suffering. 

Founded by Clara Barton in 1881, the American Red Cross has provided 

assistance and comfort to communities stricken by disasters large and small. 

Amidst the final months of World War I in 1918, President Woodrow Wilson 

first proclaimed ‘‘Red Cross Week’’ as a time for our citizens ‘‘to give generously to the continuation of the important work of relieving distress.’’ The 

American Red Cross continues to help ensure our communities are more 

ready and resilient in the face of future disasters. I urge all Americans 

to embrace our shared duty to better prepare ourselves, our families, and 

our neighbors against a wide range of emergencies; and to visit 

www.Ready.gov and www.CitizenCorps.gov. 

Despite facing economic hardship at home, ordinary Americans are still 

contributing to humanitarian efforts worldwide. This year’s catastrophic 

earthquake in Haiti caused untold suffering, and the American people have 

responded with speed and kindness. Donations have poured into the American Red Cross and other relief organizations. On the ground in Haiti, 

American search-and-rescue teams have pulled survivors from the rubble, 

and volunteer medical professionals continue to treat victims and save lives. 

Our Nation’s leadership relies upon our citizens who are motivated to act 

by our common humanity. This month, let us come together to celebrate 

the American spirit of generosity, and the dedicated individuals and organizations who keep that spirit alive. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 the laws of the 

United States, do hereby proclaim March 2010 as American Red Cross 

Month. I encourage all Americans to observe this month with appropriate 

programs, ceremonies, and activities, and by supporting the work of our 

Nation’s service and relief organizations. 


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9326 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 39 / Monday, March 1, 2010 / Presidential Documents 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth 

day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the 

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtyfourth. 

[FR Doc. 2010–4360 

Filed 2–26–10; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3195–W0–P 


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