STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

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Whereas, founded in 1881 by Clara Barton and chartered in 1905 by the United States Congress, the American Red Cross is one of our Nation’s oldest humanitarian organizations that provides compassionate services to victims of disaster and works in communities year-round to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies; and

Whereas, the American Red Cross in New York State includes 36 local chapters and the New York-Penn Blood Services Region, and with a long history of helping people, it has added distinction not only in being the first chapter in the Nation established more than 125 years ago, but where the nationwide civilian blood program originated in 1948, today providing nearly half of the country’s blood supply and blood products; and

Whereas, on a daily basis, the Red Cross touches the lives of New Yorkers through its emergency preparedness and mitigation efforts and through its response to local disasters such as storms and house fires by providing shelter, financial assistance, medical and mental health services; and

Whereas, it is vital that New Yorkers and all Americans know what steps to take when either natural or man-made disasters strike, and the Red Cross continually strives to educate the public about what to do in an emergency situation by providing nationally-recognized training in first aid and water safety, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), child care and HIV/AIDS prevention, and furthermore helps the elderly and needy through its sponsorship of nutrition programs, homeless services and transportation services; and

Whereas, the Red Cross provides assistance to our military personnel overseas and their family members through its Armed Forces Emergency Services Program, which keeps service members and their families in communication and provides them with financial assistance and counseling; in addition, the American Red Cross provides tracing services to help family members locate loved ones, responds to aviation disasters and works in conjunction with the International Red Cross to collect and distribute funds to those suffering from the effects of civil unrest and natural disasters around the world; and

Whereas, these essential services are made possible by thousands of volunteers who give freely of themselves to aid their fellow man and with the generous support of a compassionate American public; for more than 50 years, Presidents and Governors have recognized March as Red Cross Month to thank this valued humanitarian organization and its supporters, and to further encourage the efforts of the Red Cross, both across this nation and worldwide;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim March 2008 as

RED CROSS MONTH

in the Empire State.

Given under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this eighteenth day of March in the year two thousand eight.

David A. Paterson
Governor

Charles O'Byrne
Secretary to the Governor