Reps. Kooiman, Accavitti, Adamini, Anderson, Bieda, Brandenburg, DeRossett, Ehardt, Emmons, Garfield, Gillard, Hopgood, Howell, Hummel, Jamnick, Koetje, LaSata, Law, Meyer, Middaugh, Milosch, Murphy, Palsrok, Pastor, Rocca, Shaffer, Sheltrown, Shulman, Spade, Stakoe, Stallworth, Tobocman, Vagnozzi, Vander Veen, Voorhees, Wojno, Brown, Byrum, Gleason, Huizenga, Lipsey, Pumford and Sak offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 210.

A resolution commemorating March 2004 as American Red Cross Month in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, a woman selflessly devoted to the needs of humanity. Compassion, courage, character, and civic duty are inherent in the Red Cross' mission, which is to prevent and relieve human suffering. The Michigan chapters share these grand ideals; and

Whereas, The American Red Cross, chartered and authorized by Congress to act in times of need, provides compassionate assistance to people afflicted by personal, local, or national disasters. American Red Cross volunteers from all across Michigan responded to hundreds of disasters last year, providing food, clothing, shelter, and mental health support; and

Whereas, Many people have counted on the American Red Cross for the information and skills they need to be safe at home, work, school, and at play. Each year, the Michigan chapters of the American Red Cross train thousands of people in lifesaving CPR, first aid, life guarding, water safety, babysitting, HIV/AIDS education, automated external defibrillation, ergonomics, and emergency response; and

Whereas, American Red Cross staff deploy with the U.S. military to provide emergency communication and a caring presence to the service men and women separated from their families. In 1943, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt called upon the American people with this request: "...that during this month our people rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross"; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate March 2004 as American Red Cross Month in the state of Michigan as we recognize its outstanding service to the people of the state of Michigan.