At the Monday night, Sept. 11, Forks City Council meeting Mayor Bryon Monohon read a proclamation in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Red Cross in our area. Local Red Cross representative Bill Plumley accepted the the Proclamation on behalf of the Red Cross.

The Proclamation read as follows:

WHEREAS, in 1917, with the U.S. poised to join “the war to end all wars”, concerned residents met to form a local chapter of the American Red Cross in Clallam County; and

WHEREAS, the American Red Cross relies on its volunteers to help those affected during a disaster providing help and hope during the difficult times; and

WHEREAS, across the county and around the world, the American Red Cross responds to disasters big and small. Every eight minutes the organization responds to a community disaster, providing shelter, food, emotional support, and other necessities to those affected; and

WHEREAS, the American Red Cross collects nearly 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply; provides 24-hour support to military members, veterans and their families, teaches millions lifesaving skills, such as lifeguarding and CPR; and through its Restoring Family links program, connects family members separated by crisis, conflict or migration. In fiscal year 2016, volunteers on the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsula responded to 82 local emergencies, assisted 432 military families and trained 4,543 people in lifesaving skills like CPR, First Aid and Water Safety; and

WHEREAS, the Red Cross heroes help families find shelter after a home fire; they give blood to help trauma victims and cancer patients; they deliver comfort items to military members in the hospital; they use their lifesaving skills to save someone from a heart attack, drowning or choking; they enable children around the globe to be vaccinated against measles and rubella; and

WHEREAS, many communities depend on the American Red Cross, who relies on donations of time, money and blood to fulfill its humanitarian mission.

NOW, THEREFORE, as the Mayor of the City of Forks, I proclaim September 2017 as

American Red Cross Month

And congratulate the American Red Cross on their 100th anniversary. On behalf of the City of Forks and the City Council, thank you to all those individuals who give of themselves to assist their neighbors when they need a helping hand.

WITNESS my hand and the seal of the City of Forks this 11th day of September 2017.

Bryon Monohon, Mayor