RELEASED FOR AFTERNOON PAPERS OF MAY 25, 1917.
P R O C L A M A T I O N.
INASMUCH as our thoughts as a nation are now turned in united purpose towards the performance to the utmost of the services and duties which we have assumed in the cause of justice and liberty;
INASMUCH as but a small proportion of our people can have the opportunity to serve upon the actaual field of battle, but all men, women and children alike may serve and serve effectively by making it possible to care properly for those who do serve under arms at home and abroad.
AND INASMUCH as the American Red Cross is the official recognized agency for voluntary effort in behalf of the armed forces of the nation and for the administration of relief.
Now, therefore, by virtue of my authority as President of the United States and President of the American Red Cross, I, Woodrow Wilson, do hereby proclaim the week ending June 25, 1917, as Red Cross Week, during which the people of the United States will be called upon to give generously and in a spirit of patriotic sacrifice for the support and maintenance of this work of national need.
WOODROW WILSON