WHEREAS, in times of crisis, people in here in the CNMI come together to care for one another. This humanitarian spirit is part of the foundation of our community and is exemplified by American Red Cross volunteers and donors.
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. Today, more than 140 years later, we honor the kindness and generosity of Red Cross volunteers here on Rota, Tinian and Saipan, who continue to carry out Clara’s lifesaving legacy. They join the millions of people across the United States and its territories who volunteer, give blood, donate financially or learn vital life-preserving skills through the Red Cross.
WHEREAS, here in the Northern Marianas, 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, responding to massive catastrophic typhoons like Soudelor, Mangkut and Yutu; supporting service members and veterans, along with their families 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.
WHEREAS, their work to prevent and alleviate human suffering is vital to strengthening our community’s resilience. We dedicate this 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.” We ask others to join in this commitment to give back in our community.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RALPH DLG. TORRES, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, by the virtue of the authority vested in me by the constitution and laws of the Commonwealth, do hereby proclaim MARCH 2022 as:
AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH
I encourage all citizens throughout the Commonwealth to honor our countless volunteer heroes and support the Red Cross’ noble humanitarian mission and vital work to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 2nd day of March 2022.
/s/
RALPH DLG. TORRES
Governor
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