House Resolution 66

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MARCH 2007 AS AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH AND HONORING THOSE TIRELESS VOLUNTEERS WHO ASSIST THE AMERICAN RED CROSS IN EXECUTING ITS HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS.

WHEREAS, for more than a century, the American Red Cross has been at the forefront of helping Americans prevent, prepare for and respond to large and small disasters resulting in families and communities depending on the Red Cross in times of need; and

WHEREAS, each year during the month of March, we formally recognize the American Red Cross and its essential humanitarian role in our community and honor the role of the American Red Cross's contribution to making Mississippi a better place; and

WHEREAS, because the American Red Cross depends on the support of the American people, this year we focus on the spirit of the volunteers, donors, partners and employees who support the American Red Cross mission of humanitarianism; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi has 15 American Red Cross chapters and one (1) blood region with heroes who tirelessly serve their communities; and

WHEREAS, for more than 100 years, the American Red Cross of Mississippi has relied on the everyday heroes who donate time, blood or money, help coordinate blood drives, respond to emergencies, take midnight calls when a neighbor loses their home to a fire; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi is the place where compassionate people freely give their time and talent to help prevent and ease human suffering among friends, neighbors and even strangers and this fact was proven when the citizens of Mississippi made contributions to fund the cost of providing immediate relief to thousands who were the victims of house fires, floods and tornadoes, volunteered for those in need, gave blood at coastal chapters and learned CPR to save the lives of friends, neighbors and strangers; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi American Red Cross consists of nearly 11,000 volunteers who provide valuable tools and education to individuals, families, workplaces and schools which make us all stronger and more resilient; and

WHEREAS, this past year, the Mississippi American Red Cross chapters responded to over 1,900 local emergencies, assisted over 7,000 military families, and trained over 63,000 people in lifesaving skills such as CPR, AED and first aid; and

WHEREAS, this year on Hometown Heroes Day, we dedicate a day to our committed volunteers of the American Red Cross, our hometown heroes, who we celebrate for their contributions in building a better quality of life in Mississippi and who for the next 125 years and beyond will continue to meet the needs of the public by fostering volunteers who are professional, prepared and committed to continuing the tradition of providing supreme service to our community; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and celebrate the efforts of citizens who give so much time to help others:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby proclaim March 2007 as American Red Cross Month and honor those tireless volunteers who assist the American Red Cross in executing its humanitarian efforts.