Governor Participates in Day of Remembrance Blood Drive
September 11, 2009
Observes National Preparedness Month
AUGUSTA – Governor John E. Baldacci today joined members of the Maine Emergency Management Agency, American Red Cross and volunteers to underscore the need for blood donations, recognize first responders and observe National Preparedness Month. The blood drive is a joint effort between the American Red Cross and the Boston Red Sox.
“Today, we look back in remembrance, honoring those whose lives were lost on September 11th, 2001,” said Governor Baldacci. “At the same time, our attention is very much in the present as volunteer blood donors, those silent heroes, come to give of themselves to help save lives that are dependent upon this simple act of kindness.”
The annual Day of Remembrance Blood Drive recognizes that Americans opened their hearts in an out-flowing of sympathy, patriotism and compassion following the attacks of September 11th. One of the ways in which people responded was to donate blood in record numbers.
The Governor reminded Mainers that today, patients throughout Maine depend on that same compassionate response.
“The Red Cross blood drive today symbolizes the ongoing, daily need for this precious resource,” said the Governor.
The Governor, American Red Cross and the Maine Emergency Management Agency also reminded residents of their key role in keeping themselves and their communities safe. Representatives from the Maine Emergency Management Agency were at the Augusta Armory event to answer questions and provide information on avoiding, preparing for and responding to emergencies.
“The more prepared people are by learning the skills they need to keep their families safe, the stronger and more ready we will be to face the unexpected,” said the Governor.
The Governor issued the following proclamation to recognize the month of September as Preparedness Month. The text of the proclamation follows.
WHEREAS, every citizen of the State of Maine is vulnerable to disasters of some type, including natural and human-made; and
WHEREAS, experience tells us by preparing ahead of time-by getting an emergency preparedness kit, making a plan and being informed, people can better respond to, recover from, and lessen physical, emotional and financial impact of a disaster or other emergency; and
WHEREAS, the American Red Cross wants everyone to have the confidence and peace of mind that comes with being prepared; and
WHEREAS, National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security each September to raise public awareness about the importance of preparing for all types of disasters and to encourage Americans to take action to prepare for disasters and emergencies in their homes businesses and schools,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN E. BALDACCI, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim September, 2009 as
PREPAREDNESS MONTH
throughout the State of Maine, and urge all residents, businesses, government agencies, and civic organizations in the state to learn about the potential for disasters in Maine, learn how to stay safe, and make sure their emergency plans are in place.
