(REPRODUCTION OF PROCLAMATION SIGNED BY PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT AT THE WHITE HOUSE)

RED CROSS MONTH, 1944

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS the war has entered a decisive stage requiring the fullest mea-
sure of individual sacrifice;

WHEREAS the American National Red Cross is an auxiliary to the United
States armed forces and, as such, is providing indispensable service to our
troops throughout the world as well as to their families at home;

WHEREAS these wartime activities, including the collection of life-
saving blood for the wounded, recreation work in military hospitals,
provision of aid to families of servicemen, shipment of food parcels to
prisoners of war, production of surgical dressings, operation of overseas
clubs and recreation centers, and recruitment of Army and Navy nurses, all
combine to save countless lives, restore hope, and provide comfort for our

fighting men;

WHEREAS, through its vast network of local chapters, this agency of our
people simultaneously conducts an extensive program of training and commmity
service, while continuing with traditional efficiency to lessen the distress
of those overwhelmed by disaster; and

WHEREAS this agency is wholly dependent upon individual support and
personal participation and is issuing its 1944 appeal to the entire citizen-
ship for a minimum War Fund of $200,000,000;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, President of the United States
of America and President of the American National Red Cross, do hereby desig-
nate the month beginning March 1, 1944 as "Red Cross Month" and earnestly be-
seech my fellow Americans to observe it by opening their hearts to this
humanitarian appeal in order that we may keep the Red Cross at the side of our
fighting men and their dependents in their hour of greatest need.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the
United States of America to be affixed.

DONE at the city of Washington this 19th day of February, in the year
of our Lord nineteen hundred and forty-four, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the one hundred and sixty—eighth.

By the ae gle es ee

NOT FOR RELEASE IN ANY FORM BEFORE FEBRUARY 20