The lights of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign are going red in March to celebrate Red Cross Month.

Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft and representatives of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter will hold a brief ceremony at the sign on the Las Vegas Strip south of Russell Road on Wednesday, March 5 at 3:30 p.m., when they will flip a switch to turn on the 89 bulbs around the perimeter of the sign.

During the annual Red Cross Month celebration, chapters nationwide, including the Red Cross of Southern Nevada, are honoring the people who make the organization’s mission possible every day. This national tradition began in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first national Red Cross Month proclamation, recognizing those who give back through the American Red Cross. Since then, every U.S. president has also issued the proclamation.

“The life-saving work of the Red Cross, particularly in ensuring a stable blood supply, is indispensable for communities like ours in Clark County. Their dedication directly impacts the health and well-being of our residents,” said Commissioner Michael Naft. “We commend their dedication and encourage our residents to support their life-saving mission.”

“The American Red Cross is synonymous with bringing help and hope to those in need. But our work wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of others. Whether it’s supporting families impacted by home fires or providing lifesaving blood to hospital patients, we’re able to make a difference because so many people choose to contribute to our mission,” said Rachel Flanigan, executive director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Red Cross Month serves as a meaningful reminder of the importance of the community’s support, and we deeply appreciate the generosity.”

Today’s Red Cross volunteers, blood donors and supporters are advancing the lifesaving legacy of Clara Barton — one of the most honored women in U.S. history — who founded the American Red Cross more than 140 years ago. Her vision to prevent and alleviate human suffering has never wavered. Generation after generation, people have come together to adapt this timeless mission for their communities’ most urgent need

The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign was created in 1959 after the Clark County Commission approved funding for the project on what was then Highway 91. Submitting the lowest qualified bid was Western Electric Display, Inc. (aka “Western Neon”), purchased by YESCO in the 1960s.  The design, characteristic of the Googie architecture movement, was created by Betty Willis. The 25-foot-tall sign was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009, Clark County’s centennial year. The sign, like the rest of the Las Vegas Strip, is in unincorporated Clark County.