Presidential Documents

13181 

Federal Register 

Vol. 77, No. 44 

Tuesday, March 6, 2012 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 8778 of March 1, 2012 

American Red Cross Month, 2012 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

After more than 130 years of providing humanitarian relief at home and 

abroad, the American Red Cross remains a reflection of the compassion 

and generosity central to our national identity. At moments of profound 

need, the actions of men and women across our country reflect our noblest 

ideals of service—from search-and-rescue teams that brave disaster zones 

to ordinary citizens who deliver not only lifesaving care and supplies, but 

also hope for a brighter tomorrow. During American Red Cross Month, 

we pay tribute to all those whose dedication to relieving human suffering 

illuminates even our darkest hours. 

A visionary humanitarian and unyielding advocate for those in need, Clara 

Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881 after many years of tending 

to soldiers and families injured in war’s wake. In the generations that followed, the American Red Cross served as a force for peace and recovery 

during times of crisis. Presidents of the United States have called upon 

the American Red Cross time and again, beginning when President Woodrow 

Wilson proclaimed Red Cross Week during the First World War, and continuing into the 21st century. 

Today, emergency response organizations like the American Red Cross continue to play a vital role in responding to disasters that cast countless 

lives and communities into harm’s way. When devastating storms struck 

cities spanning the Midwest to the Eastern Seaboard this past year, the 

American Red Cross and other relief organizations were instrumental partners 

in preparedness, response, and recovery. And when a devastating earthquake 

shook Japan’s Pacific coast, they answered by extending support to the 

people of Japan and standing with them as they rebuild. 

We are reminded in times like these that the strength of our humanitarian 

response and the measure of our resilience are drawn not only from the 

committed action of relief organizations, but also from individuals who 

step forward, volunteer, or give what they can to help their neighbors 

in need. With generous spirits and can-do attitudes, Americans from every 

corner of our country have come together again and again to show the 

true character of our Nation. As we celebrate American Red Cross Month, 

let us resolve to preserve and renew that humanitarian impulse to save, 

to serve, and to build, and carry it forward in the year to come. 

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 2012 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 service 

and relief organizations. 


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13182 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 44 / Tuesday, March 6, 2012 / Presidential Documents 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 

March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence 

of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth. 

[FR Doc. 2012–5553 

Filed 3–5–12; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3295–F2–P 


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