103 STAT. 2992 PROCLAMATION 5938—FEB. 28, 1989 Proclamation 5938 of February 28, 1989 f American Red Cross Month, 1989 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The Red Cross, as a symbol and an ideal, has meant help and reassur- ance to millions of Americans and people around the world. To Henry Dimant, founder of the International Red Cross 125 years ago, help meant a bright red cross on a white banner, carried onto battlefields by those tending wounded soldiers and civilians innocently caught in con- flict. To Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, help meant all that Dunant envisioned plus a system by which people could volim- tarily help each other cope during times of disaster, not just during war. Today, we need only look to the success of the Ameripan Red Cross to see how both visions have become realities. Whether it has been in a major emergency like the tornadoes that struck North Carolina last fall or in the aftermath of the terrible death and destruction of the earthquake in Armenia, the Red Cross has been there extending the hand of help. In 1988, 4.2 million people were given emergency food, clothing, and shelter by more than 76 thousand Red Cross disaster volimteers. Clara Barton's dream of mitigating the suffering of disaster victims also brought an understanding of the need to help the entire population to be better prepared for day-to-day emergencies. This has meant teach- ing 7.1 million people first aid. Red Cross CPR, swimming, and water and boating safety. Now, perhaps more than ever, we realize how edu- cation can mean survival as we and people around the world face the deadly threat of AIDS. The Red Cross has helped us understand this health crisis by disseminating AIDS prevention information. Thousands of persons needing blood owe a debt of gratitude to the American Red Cross. From recruitment of volunteer donors to collect- ing and testing that ensures the safest blood possible, last year the Red Cross was able to provide our ill and injured with 6.4 million units of blood. Our American Red Cross also provides important humanitarian service to our military personnel and their families, including counseling and assistance and referral services for active-duty military, veterans, and their dependents. Our yoxmg people, too—^more than 3 million of them—^have made a valuable commitment to public service through the Red Cross. From organizing high school and college bloodmobiles to visiting patients in hospitals and retirement homes, youth programs are another reason why we should appreciate the work of this remarkable organization. From the visions of Henry Dunant and Clara Barton have come one of the greatest volunteer movements in history. The strength of the Red Cross can be seen every day, everywhere, through the work of people who believe that a successful life must include serving others. It is through their commitment that a bright red cross on a white banner continues to mean hope, dignity, and compassion to thousands of people in need, both here at home and aroimd the world.
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