LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim March 2016 as American Red Cross Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2016 as American Red
Cross Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, For more than 70 years, United States presidents and gover-
nors around the country have recognized March as American Red Cross
Month to thank this vital humanitarian organization and to urge the
public to continue to support its work through volunteerism, financial
contributions, or the donation of blood; and
WHEREAS, American Red Cross Month celebrates the everyday heroes who
work tirelessly in times of disaster to offer the comfort of a helping
hand; and
WHEREAS, The Red Cross, founded in 1881 by Clara Barton and chartered
by the United States Congress in 1905, is one of our nation's oldest and
most recognized humanitarian organizations, helping people prepare for
emergencies, responding to disasters when they occur and helping victims
rebuild their lives; and
WHEREAS, In New York State, this esteemed nonprofit organization's 36
chapters, along with the New York-Penn Blood Services Region, have a
long history of helping New Yorkers since the first chapter in the
nation was established here in 1881; and
WHEREAS, For more than 100 years, the Red Cross in New York State has
been where citizens join together, and their generosity and compassion
finds purpose; New Yorkers have responded swiftly and generously during
times of emergency, and in overwhelming numbers chose the Red Cross as
the place to turn their caring into action; and
WHEREAS, On a daily basis, this remarkable institution helps make
communities safer in these uncertain times through its disaster
preparedness and response efforts; its volunteers are always among the
first on the scene providing food, shelter, clothing and friendly faces
for support; and
WHEREAS, The Red Cross also provides nationally recognized training in
first aid and water safety, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), child
care, and HIV/AIDS prevention; and
WHEREAS, As a vital part of its preparedness efforts, the Red Cross
provides approximately half of the nation's blood supply and, through
the New York-Penn Blood Services Region, provides the safest blood
products possible to those in need throughout New York State; and
WHEREAS, The Red Cross continues to provide comfort and support to our
military families and, working with the International Red Cross,
collects and distributes funds to those suffering from the effects of
civil unrest and natural disasters around the world; they have also
spearheaded a campaign to immunize millions of children in developing
countries who do not have access to life saving vaccines; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2016 as American
Red Cross Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.