H. RES. 378
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,
July 16, 2007
RESOLUTION
Whereas World Red Cross Red Crescent Day was observed on May 8, 2007;
Whereas May 8 marks the birth of Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross, who began advocating for the humane treatment of the wartime sick and wounded after witnessing the atrocities at the Battle of Solferino in 1859;
Whereas World Red Cross Red Crescent Day is celebrated by many of the 185 Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Magen David Adom National Societies throughout the world and more than 750 chapters throughout the United States;
Whereas through the motivation and action of its volunteers and donors, the American Red Cross and its partners worldwide pay tribute to Henry Dunant’s legacy by helping those in need and protecting human dignity for all;
Whereas the American Red Cross helps vulnerable people and communities around the world to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, complex humanitarian emergencies, and life-threatening health conditions;
Whereas the American Red Cross is uniquely positioned to save lives through the Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Magen David Adom National Societies network of 97,000,000 volunteers located in nearly every country in the world;
Whereas in 2006, the American Red Cross responded to 23 international disasters, contributing more than $16.1 million in financial support, deploying delegates and providing relief supplies and other emergency assistance to millions affected by disasters;
Whereas the American Red Cross continues to help affected communities recover from the tsunami that resulted from the earthquake that occurred off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia, on December 26, 2004, by providing assistance to more than 3.3 million people through long-term recovery programs and more than 80 million people through disease control activities in the tsunami-affected countries;
Whereas since 2001, the American Red Cross and its partners in the Measles Initiative have vaccinated more than 372 million children in 48 countries against measles; and
Whereas World Red Cross Red Crescent Day will honor the efforts of Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Magen David Adom employees and volunteers who work tirelessly to alleviate human suffering: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives commends the humanitarian efforts of Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Magen David Adom National Societies worldwide on the occasion of World Red Cross Red Crescent Day.
Clerk.