GOVERNOR Ralph DLG Torres on Wednesday proclaimed March as American Red Cross Month.
For the signing of the proclamation in the governor’s conference room, Torres was joined by American Red Cross-NMI chapter executive director John Hirsh, disaster program manager Juan Diego Tenorio, board members led by chair Mable Ayuyu-Glenn, volunteers and government personnel.
“In times of crisis, people 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,” the proclamation reads.
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,” the proclamation reads.
In the Northern Marianas, the contributions of local Red Cross volunteers give hope to the most vulnerable in their time of need.
These include providing emergency shelter, food and comfort for families devastated by local disasters like home fires, responding to massive catastrophic typhoons, like Soudelor, Mangkhut 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.
“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 [to] our community,” the proclamation stated.
Torres, for his part, said, “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.”
He added, “I thank all of you for your partnership. Thank you for making a big impact on our community… As one community, we are stronger together.”
American Red Cross-NMI board chair Mable Ayuyu-Glenn thanked the volunteers for their hard work and the governor for his partnership.
American Red Cross-NMI chapter executive director John Hirsh said, “I’ve got such an incredible team of volunteers, partners that really enable the Red Cross to be successful. Without our volunteers and without the generosity of everyone in the community, we wouldn’t be strong and we wouldn’t be able to respond to these catastrophic events. On our shores and throughout the nation, we’ve deployed volunteers to California for the wildfires and throughout the nation during their darkest hours as well.”
For more information about the American Red Cross of the Northern Mariana Islands, visit https://www.redcross.org/local/northern-mariana-islands/about-us.html
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres poses for a photo with American Red Cross-NMI chapter officials, volunteers, government personnel and other community members after signing a proclamation designating March as American Red Cross Month.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres signs a proclamation Wednesday designating March as American Red Cross Month.
