President Obama Signs 2009 Proclamation Naming March "Red Cross Month"

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WASHINGTON, Tuesday, March 17, 2009 — March was officially declared Red Cross Month by order of a Presidential Proclamation signed by President Barack Obama, marking the 66th time the month of March has been celebrated in honor of the organization.

The proclamation reads, in part:

The Red Cross has continued to serve those suffering from large- and small-scale disasters. The organization is best known for its work helping communities deal with major disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. These large-scale disasters represent a major part of the work of the American Red Cross. Just as important are the tens of thousands of small-scale disasters that occur every day in communities nationwide, and the volunteers who respond to them. These efforts include supporting our military and their families, collecting and distributing blood, helping the needy, delivering health and safety education, and providing aid abroad.

March has been known as Red Cross Month across the country since 1943, when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued the declaration in support of Red Cross efforts to raise funds for World War II services.

In honor of Red Cross Month, the Red Cross launched the first-ever national Change a Life contest. The contest ran from March 2-16, 2009. The public was invited to visit RedCross.org and tell us how a Red Cross experience changed their life or someone else's life. The grand prize winner will win a two-night trip for two to Washington D.C. to join Keith Urban and his band on August 20th as they play their Escape Together World Tour concert. The package includes backstage passes and a tour of the National American Red Cross Disaster Operations Center. The second place winner will receive a 52” Philips HD LCD television, DVD player and a library of Red Cross preparedness and safety DVDs.

Source: American Red Cross