PROCLAMATION 6653—MAR. 2, 1994 108 STAT. 5541 For many, the Great Flood of 1993 did not become a frightening headline until well into the summer. For the American Red Cross, however, the floodwaters had been a serious concern since early spring. Nine months after the flooding started, over 20,000 Red Cross workers had participated in the relief operation, more than 2,8 million meals had been served, and approximately 35,000 families had received assistance from Red Cross caseworkers. While thousands of Red Cross workers helped victims recover from the floodwaters in the Midwest, Red Cross personnel in California faced a different challenge—fire. Hundreds of families fleeing the raging California fires found haven in Red Cross shelters. Fire victims were provided comfort and strength as they tried to rebuild their lives out of the ashes. As 1993 came to a close jmd many of us began preparing for holiday meals, the Red Cross also was preparing meals—for cold and hungry people, victims of the winter storms that lashed out across the Nation. Once again, feeding vans were busily dispensing hot coffee and sandwiches, comfort and hope, The Red Cross set up over 100 shelters in 6 states, bringing security and warmth to those in need. The year 1994 began with nature's awesome display of power, tearing Southern California asunder in the Northridge earthquakes. Again the Red Cross was there to help those left homeless and hungry. Thanks to the American Red Cross blood program, thousands receive life-giving donations and are able to enjoy one more birthday, one more anniversary, one more day of simshine. The American Red Cross collects, processes, and distributes more than half the Nation's blood supply—all while ensuring that it is the safest in the world. Over 6 million times last year, donors came to the Red Cross to give the gift of life to others. Through the network of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, families around our globe were able to locate and communicate with loved ones wilJi whom they had lost contact due to wars or refugee movements. Prisoners of war saw hope come into their cells in the form of a Red Cross emblem. American Red Cross delegates called such places as Armenia, Croatia, and Cambodia home last year as they brought medical care, skilled relief workers, food, and reassurance to countries suffering from the ravages of disaster, disease, and war. The Red Cross has earned om- abiding respect, and we look forward to seeing its symbol of hope continue to shine brightly across this great land. A very grateful Nation thanks the American Red Cross for a job extremely well done. NOW, THEREFORE. I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, 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 the month of March 1994, as "American Red Cross Month." I urge all Americans to continue their generous support of the Red Cross and its chapters nationwide through contributions of time, funds, and blood donations. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-foiu-,
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