[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 64 (Monday, April 6, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 15633-15634]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-7926]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 74 , No. 64 / Monday, April 6, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents

[[Page 15633]]


                Proclamation 8356 of April 1, 2009

                
National Donate Life Month, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation



                 Through organ, tissue, and marrow donation Americans 
                can give the extraordinary gift of life. National 
                Donate Life Month provides an opportunity to honor 
                those who have given of themselves to save lives and to 
                call upon others to participate in this generous 
                effort.

                 Every day in our Nation and across the world, 
                Americans dedicate themselves to helping those in need. 
                During times of crisis and calm, Americans have looked 
                beyond themselves to aid friends and strangers alike. 
                This spirit of giving represents a hallmark of our 
                national character.

                 Many Americans have followed this tradition of 
                generosity through organ, tissue, and marrow donation. 
                These selfless individuals have saved lives and 
                strengthened families and communities, and they deserve 
                respect and admiration for their contributions.

                 I urge all Americans to follow these examples by 
                considering becoming an organ, tissue, or marrow donor. 
                The call for help from those in need of transplants is 
                clear. More donors are needed to meet the needs of 
                those on the national waiting list for life-saving 
                transplants. When considering organ donation, Americans 
                should consult family members to ensure that loved ones 
                are fully aware of the donor's decisions.

                 Joining the ranks of organ donors is simple. I 
                encourage Americans to learn more about becoming a 
                donor at www.organdonor.gov.

                 NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim April 2009 as National 
                Donate Life Month. I call upon health care 
                professionals, volunteers, educators, government 
                agencies, faith-based and community groups, and private 
                organizations to join forces to increase the number of 
                organ and tissue donors throughout our Nation.

[[Page 15634]]

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                first day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.


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[FR Doc. E9-7926
Filed 4-3-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P