The American Red Cross expresses our sincere condolences to the family of the late James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th president of the United States. During his time in office, President Carter served as our organization’s Honorary Chairman, something all U.S. Presidents have done since 1913.
In 1979, President Carter appointed Dr. Jerome H. Holland as chairman of the board of directors of the American Red Cross, the first African American to hold the highest leading official position of our organization, a position Dr. Holland held until he passed away in 1985.
Following a tradition begun 80 years ago by President Franklin Roosevelt, throughout each year of his presidency, Mr. Carter proclaimed March as Red Cross Month, urging everyone to support our organization and reflect on the selflessness of those who serve with the Red Cross.
Throughout his life, the late President Carter was recognized as a humanitarian, well known for his commitment to social justice and human rights, supporting charitable causes all over the world. In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.
The Fundamental Principles of the global Red Cross Network include Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. President Carter’s legacy is a perfect illustration of these principles. Whether it be his public health initiatives around the world, his efforts to ensure countries have free and honest elections, his diplomatic negotiations to try to bring peace to the Middle East, or his work to build housing for those in need, the American Red Cross recognizes President Jimmy Carter as someone who embodied these principles and thanks him for his lifetime of service.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.