P R O C L A M A T I O N
In Recognition of March as American Red Cross Month
WHEREAS, In times of crisis, people in Washington County come together to care for one another
and this humanitarian spirit is part of the foundation of our community, and is exemplified by
American Red Cross volunteers and donors; and
WHEREAS, In 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross, turning her steadfast
dedication for helping others into a bold mission of preventing and alleviating people’s suffering; and
WHEREAS, Today, more than 140 years later, we honor the kindness and generosity of Red Cross
volunteers here in Washington County, who continue to carry out Clara’s lifesaving legacy, joining
the millions of people across the United States who volunteer, give blood, donate financially or learn
vital life-preserving skills through the Red Cross; and
WHEREAS, In Washington County, the contributions of local Red Cross volunteers give hope to the
most vulnerable in their darkest hours — whether it’s providing emergency shelter, food and comfort
for families devastated by local disasters like home fires; educating our youth on emergency
preparedness; donating essential blood for accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ
transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease;
supporting service members and veterans, along with their families and caregivers, through the
unique challenges of military life; helping to save the lives of others with first aid, CPR and other
skills; or delivering international humanitarian aid; and
WHEREAS, Their work to prevent and alleviate human suffering is vital to strengthening our
community’s resilience and we dedicate the month of March to all those who continue to advance the
noble legacy of American Red Cross founder Clara Barton, who lived by her words, “You must never
think of anything except the need, and how to meet it” and ask others to join in this commitment to
give back in our community; now therefore
BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY, TENNESSEE, THAT:
We do hereby recognize March 2022 as Red Cross Month and encourage all citizens of
Washington County to reach out and support its humanitarian mission.
ADOPTED BY THE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE BODY, in session duly assembled, on this, the
28th day of March, 2022.