MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Huggins, Michel

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE CENTRAL CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS AND PROCLAIMING MARCH 2000 AS AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, the American Red Cross is a national humanitarian organization that provides immediate help for people in times of emergency; and

WHEREAS, the American Red Cross attracts thousands of people to volunteer time and talents to help their neighbors; and

WHEREAS, countless Mississippians have been helped by American Red Cross disaster relief, health and safety education, and service to military families; and

WHEREAS, the American Red Cross has been a vital part of communities throughout Mississippi since the early 1900's; and

WHEREAS, for over 80 years the American Red Cross in central Mississippi has been there when help can't wait; serving meals, sheltering disaster victims, helping families prepare for emergencies and teaching our children to be safe; and serving as the state coordinating chapter and lead unit providing guidance, leadership, and support to the additional Red Cross chapters and military stations in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the origin of the Central Mississippi Chapter of the American Red Cross dates back to May 1917, the month following America's entry into World War I; the chapter founded when business owners in Jackson began a fundraising drive to provide ambulance services for United States soldiers in France fighting the war:

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the Central Mississippi Chapter of the American Red Cross and proclaim March 2000 as American Red Cross Month in the State of Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of the American Red Cross and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.