Stay safe this summer: Readying yourself for a road trip

Posted on May 26, 2023 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Doug Bardwell, American Red Cross volunteer

With summer approaching, our family’s favorite activity is taking road trips. We are so blessed to be in Northern Ohio since we can find awesome destinations no matter which direction we head.

However, despite all the choices, the one thing I’ve learned is that you need to be prepared for emergencies. The “it won’t happen to me” syndrome is a risky one, and who needs the guilt of knowing better but not taking precautions?

Getting ready

I’m a nut for lists. For years, I’ve been using spreadsheets (either Excel or Google Sheets). I’ll make a master list, and at the end of each trip, I’ll add whatever items that we should have taken. Then when the next road trip comes up, we won’t forget that item a second time. I’ve been keeping them for years, and my lists cover just about anything we could need. We don’t take every item on every trip by any means but at least we forget very, very little.

One item we always pack, and fortunately have only needed a few times, is a First Aid kit. I’ve actually got multiple ones that vary in size for my bike bag, my backpack and the car. While I’ve been a pretty safe person, there have been numerous times we’ve been able to come to the rescue of others, who weren’t quite so prepared.

Another lesson I learned in an American Red Cross Safe Driving course is to adjust your rearview mirrors out farther than most people do. Basically, while sitting behind the steering wheel, lean as far left as comfortable, and then set your left rearview mirror so you can just barely see the left fender of your car. Then lean right as far as comfortable and set your right mirror the same way. That radically improves your chances of not hitting someone in your blind spot. I know it’s saved me at least four times.

Lastly, get enough sleep before you set out on a long road trip. When I haven’t done that, the instant I feel myself getting drowsy, I’ll find a place to pull over and try to take a quick nap. I set my alarm on my watch for 15 minutes, and that’s a perfect time to be refreshed enough to drive another couple of hours. Any longer than 15 minutes is too long (strange sleep science).

For more information

The American Red Cross just issued a 20 Steps to Help You Stay Safe this Summer article for road trips, swimming, backyard grilling and camping. Item number 18 is definitely one that could save your life. Then enroll in a Red Cross first aid and CPR/AED course, either online or in person.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross Board Member and volunteer

On behalf of a grateful nation – Mike’s Memorial Day message

Posted on May 25, 2023 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Mike Parks, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.), Regional CEO, American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region

Next Monday, as we celebrate Memorial Day, we will honor those men and women of our Armed Forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we may enjoy our everyday freedoms. As I was reflecting on this special day, I recalled my recent attendance earlier this month at the funeral of a dear Coast Guard friend of over 40 years. The funeral, replete with military honors, included a gun salute, the playing of “Taps”, the ceremonial folding of the American flag, and the presentation of “the colors” to the family.

I don’t know about you, but every time I hear those 24 somber notes of “Taps” played, I feel my emotions well up inside me. “Taps” is not a song but a bugle call. Although there are no official associated lyrics, Horace Lorenzo Trim is often credited with a set of words intended to accompany the music. Here are just the first of his five stanzas:

“Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.”

Yes, I found myself wiping away tears as the last note was played. After “Taps” was finished, two members of the Coast Guard Honor Guard approached the casket to begin the ceremonial folding of the American flag, which had been carefully draped over the casket so the union blue field was at the head and over the left shoulder of my friend. With exacting precision, these two young servicemembers carefully folded the flag into the symbolic tri-cornered shape, representing the three-sided hats worn by our troops during the Revolutionary War. Our nation’s “colors” were folded 13 times on the triangles, representing the 13 original colonies.

Annual Memorial Day Ceremony, Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery

Having personally performed this important ritual in my career, I can attest to the solemnity of the event. It struck me as I stood at attention, that this ceremony is conducted by every service of the Armed Forces numerous times throughout our country every single day in tribute to the fallen and in support of their loved ones. The words “…On behalf of a grateful nation…” must never be taken for granted as we take a few moments out of our busy lives to remember and thank those who have given their all so that we may live in freedom—it’s the least we can do. This Memorial Day, let us all take time to remember those who have gone before us and those who have received the American flag “…On behalf of a grateful nation.”

Once the flag was perfectly folded, it was given by the Honor Guard to the senior Coast Guard officer to present to the next-of-kin, in this case my friend’s lovely wife of 44 years. She was surrounded by her six grown children as the officer knelt to present her with the folded American flag as a keepsake. He then said to her, “On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Coast Guard, and a grateful Nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service.”

Memorial Day 2022: A message from Michael N. Parks, Regional Executive

Posted on May 27, 2022 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Mike Parks, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio, Rear Admiral, USCG (Retired)

Mike Parks, Rear Admiral, USCG (Retired)

Northern Ohio Red Cross Family:

May is an important month for those men and women, and their families, who have chosen to serve our nation as members of the Armed Forces. In 1999 Congress designated May as Military Appreciation Month to ensure the nation was given the chance to publicly show their appreciation for troops past and present. Each year the President makes a proclamation reminding Americans the important role the U.S. Armed Forces have played in the history and development of the United States. May was chosen because it has many individual days marked to note our military’s achievements including Loyalty Day (observed on May 1^st and established in 1921 by Congress as “a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and the recognition of the heritage of American freedom”) and Victory in Europe (VE) Day (observed on May 8^th commemorating the end of WWII in Europe in 1945).

We also observe Military Spouse Appreciation Day every May on the Friday before Mother’s Day (this year on May 6^th). President Reagan first recognized Military Spouse Appreciation Day in 1984 when he said, “Throughout the years, as the numbers of married men and women in uniform have grown and as their military missions have become more complex and dispersed, their spouses have made countless personal sacrifices to support the Armed Forces. In many instances, they subordinated their personal and professional aspirations to the greater benefit of the service family.”

Gold Star Families Memorial Monument – Cleveland, OH

On the third Saturday in May, we celebrate Armed Forces Day which was created in 1949. Not to be confused with Veterans Day, which honors those who wore the cloth of our nation at war, or Memorial Day, which honors those who died wearing the cloth of our nation at war, Armed Forces Day honors both the men and women currently serving as well as those who have previously served and sacrificed to defend our nation’s freedom—which we all hopefully know has never been “free.”

That brings us to the last Monday in May—Memorial Day—which is next Monday, the 30^th—when we honor members of the Armed Forces who have died in military service to our nation. Much like our beloved American Red Cross, Memorial Day has roots dating back to the post-Civil War era when citizens would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. Memorial Day is one of the six recognized holidays we all celebrate in the Red Cross (an official day off)—appropriately so I might add. That said, many Red Cross staff and volunteers will be participating in Memorial Day events around the country–in Northern Ohio, we’ve got folks supporting the ceremonies at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville and Woodlawn Cemetery in Toledo. As well, Red Crossers around our Region and the country will be responding to those in need throughout the holiday weekend. Thank you to those serving!

Today, when many people hear “Memorial Day” they think of the unofficial beginning of Summer, backyard barbeques, sales, and maybe even parades. The word “memorial” means “intended to commemorate someone or something.” I’m concerned that many are losing focus on what this special holiday is all about—are we truly commemorating those who paid the ultimate sacrifice? I recently attended some events where our National Anthem was played and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. I must admit I was saddened to see so many people failing to show the proper respect by placing their hands over their hearts in tribute to our flag and our nation, and by extension, those who have sacrificed for both.

I think we all, especially as members of the premier humanitarian organization in the world—the American Red Cross–with its roots in the blood and mud of the battlefields of the Civil War, are well-suited and have an obligation to set the right example—year round. Please join me in committing to stand tall, remove our caps, and place our hands over our hearts when the National Anthem is played or we recite our Pledge of Allegiance. We should also do the same when the American flag is “paraded” by us, both indoors or outside. These small gestures will go a long way to acknowledge those who have fallen as well as those who remain to deal with their loss—we owe them that much—not just on Memorial Day but throughout the year!

Thank you for all you do to support this wonderful organization—I’m proud to serve alongside each of you. I hope you get to enjoy this special holiday with your family and friends while remembering those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. God bless America!!

The shoulders of giants, the footsteps of heroes

Posted on May 28, 2021 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

2021 Memorial Day message from American Red Cross Regional CEO Mike Parks,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired)

Family & Friends of the Northern Ohio Red Cross: May—what a busy month!!! There are many things we typically celebrate in May including this year: Cinco de Mayo (5^th), Military Spouse Appreciation Day (7^th), Mother’s Day (9^th), International Nurses Day (12^th), Armed Forces Day (15^th), the Red Cross’s 140^th Anniversary (21^st), and, last, but certainly not least, Memorial Day (31^st).

I’d like to focus on the last two—the founding of the Red Cross by Clara Barton in 1881 and the holiday we now know as Memorial Day both had their origins on the battlefields of the American Civil War. Clara Barton was inspired and founded the American Red Cross years after she, as a nurse, cared for wounded soldiers during our War Between the States. The compassion she showed those suffering troops still inspire all of us today fortunate enough to serve in “Clara’s Army”—arguably the world’s premier humanitarian organization—an organization that still serves veterans, members of the Armed Forces, caregivers and their families some 140 years later. Thank you for all you do to support the American Red Cross!

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. Following the Civil War, which claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history, the country’s first national cemeteries were established. By the end of the 1860’s various towns and cities were holding springtime tributes to those countless fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers. The first official Decoration Day was May 30, 1868 and Ohio’s own General James Garfield gave a speech at Arlington National Cemetery while 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Civil War soldiers buried there. Although initially focused on honoring those lost in the Civil War, Decoration Day expanded after World War I to honor those who died in all American Wars. In 1968 Congress passed legislation which established Memorial Day as a federal holiday on the last Monday in May—a change that went into effect in 1971. Now, every Memorial Day, we continue to honor those men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

“Let us never forget that we are standing on the shoulders of giants and walking in the footsteps of heroes.”
Mike parks, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Memorial Day weekend is often seen as the unofficial start to summer and we often celebrate with parades, dedications, and other commemorative events. Unfortunately, many of those activities were cancelled last year due to the global pandemic. Fortunately, thanks to many restrictions being eased or lifted, a number of these patriotic activities are again being held this year. I encourage all of us to take some time out of our weekends to help honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedoms we quite often take for granted. Whether it’s our children or grandchildren, I believe we have an obligation to help ensure future generations will always remember freedom isn’t free and often comes at an extremely high price—a price paid by those heroes we honor on Memorial Day. Whether we’re at a barbecue, a picnic, a ballgame, at the beach, out on the Lake, or working serving others, let us use Memorial Day to count our blessings as we remember those who courageously gave their lives in defense of our country. Let us remember to proudly display our American flags and hopefully, we can all pause for a moment of silence at 3:00 pm local time for the National Moment of Remembrance.

As I close, let us never forget that we’re standing on the shoulders of giants and walking in the footsteps of heroes. May each of you have a memorable and enjoyable Memorial Day as we honor our nation’s fallen heroes!! Best regards…Mike

This video was shot on Memorial Day, 2017 in Pepper Pike, Ohio. Mike spoke at the Memorial Day observance in Hiram, Ohio in 2021. Visit our photo album here. Photos by Dave Dreimiller. Visit Dave’s blog for more photos here.

Northern Ohio Region weekend disaster report: May 22-25, 2020

Posted on May 26, 2020 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Eric Alves, Regional Communications Specialist, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

May 26, 2020- While many across Northern Ohio were remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defending our country and took time to get out of their homes to enjoy the summer-like temperatures, the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio was responding to local disasters to assist residents in need.

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During Memorial Day weekend, May 22-25, Disaster Action Team members were assisting residents experiencing one of the worst days of their lives. To comply with social distancing guidelines, the Red Cross responded virtually to assist 65 individuals in 9 counties, Ashland, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Lorain, Lucas, Stark, Summit and Trumbull, and provided more than $10,200 in immediate financial assistance.

“It is so gratifying to know our Disaster Action Team volunteers are ready, willing and able to respond to disasters like home fires, even on weekends and holidays,” said Tim O’Toole, Regional Disaster Officer for the Red Cross of Northern Ohio. “And they have adjusted to the new protocol for responding virtually, so that they are safe and the residents they assist are kept safe.”

To date, the Red Cross of Northern Ohio has responded to 1,039 local disasters, assisted 4,553 individuals and has provided $881,325 in immediate financial assistance.

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Even during this historic, challenging time, the Red Cross continues to respond in times of crisis, thanks to the extraordinarily dedication and compassion of Red Cross volunteers.

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Wherever you are, there’s a role you can play right now with the Red Cross. Visit https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html to find an opportunity near you.

Personal Memorial Day reflections of RADM Michael N. Parks, U.S.C.G. (Ret.), CEO of the American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region

Posted on May 25, 2020 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Mike Parks, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

May 25, 2020- Memorial Day 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic will undoubtedly be like no other in my lifetime. The first Memorial Day I remember was when I marched (in the loosest meaning of that term!) as a young Boy Scout in our rural Upstate New York town’s annual parade. A few years later, I marched in the same parade (with just slightly more precision) in our high school’s small marching band. When I joined the Coast Guard, my marching definitely improved and the parades got bigger until I was honored to be marching in front of the largest Memorial Day parade in our nation, held in Chicago. When I retired, I had the pleasure of taking in a true slice of Americana with my family as we watched our small town parade in Bay Village, Ohio. Truly, Norman Rockwell could have used those scenes for any number of his iconic patriotic paintings!

Now that I’m part of the American Red Cross, I’ve had the privilege of sharing our humanitarian organization’s story at local Memorial Day events. In Pepper Pike, I explained how the Red Cross’ treasured history finds its roots on the battlefields of the Civil War when its founder, Clara Barton, rendered aid and comfort to wounded soldiers. That tragic war between the states was also the genesis of Memorial Day, which was originally known as Decoration Day.

Regional CEO Mike Parks

And that brings us to 2020 when our nation, and the world, battle the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Parades and special events have been cancelled all over our country due to social-distancing requirements and concerns about large gatherings impacting the spread of the often-fatal coronavirus. Yes, our commemoration of this important holiday we celebrate on the last Monday in May will definitely change this year. But what won’t change is the enormous debt we owe those men and women who sacrificed everything so we could enjoy the freedoms that we still enjoy today, despite COVID-19. As is often said, “All gave some, some gave all!”

I will still proudly display “Old Glory” on Memorial Day. I hope you will as well. Memorial Day is one of 22 days during the year we should display the American flag. That said, Memorial Day is the only day when the flag is flown at half-staff for the first half of the day, and then raised to full height from noon to sundown. This unique custom honors the deceased for the morning and living veterans for the rest of the day.

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Although our weekend gatherings with families and friends may be curtailed this year, I do hope we will all take time to reflect on those who have gone before us and not take for granted our precious freedoms. I’m reminded of President Abraham Lincoln’s words at Gettysburg, “…that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain…” Yes, “how” we commemorate this Memorial Day will change, but the “why” we commemorate this Memorial Day remains unchanged—to honor and pay fitting tribute to those men and women who gave their lives in service to this great country. I’m proud to be an American representing a grateful nation that honors those fallen service members on this unique Memorial Day. I hope you’ll join me. God bless America!

Memorial Day message from CEO Mike Parks

Posted on May 27, 2019 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Members of the NEO Red Cross Family:

I wanted to share a few thoughts about the meaning of one of the most special times of the year.

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving their country in the Armed Forces (more than 1.265 million people have given their lives!). Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday, “Memorial Day,” in 1971.

Although Waterloo, New York is known as the birthplace of this holiday because of the community remembrance event it held in 1866, the first national commemoration was held at Arlington National Cemetery in 1868. At that ceremony, former Union General and sitting Ohio Congressman James Garfield, gave a speech before 5,000 participants who then helped decorate more than 20,000 soldiers’ graves.

Memorial Day Blog Garfield inspired the crowd when he proclaimed, “We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.” I still find those sentiments spoken by a Northeast Ohioan inspiring more than 250 years later!

Memorial Day has become synonymous with the unofficial beginning of summer with parades and backyard barbeques, and for many, a three-day long weekend. As appropriate and enjoyable as all those things are, my sincere hope is that as members of an organization that also traces our roots back to the Civil War, we will not forget the real meaning of this important day when we honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we still enjoy each and every day.

The more of these special commemorative days I celebrate, the more I avoid wishing others a “Happy” Memorial Day—instead I like to encourage them to have an enjoyable weekend as they “honor” Memorial Day. So as you take in a parade (don’t forget to stand and put your hand over your heart when the American Flag passes by as it’s carried by a marcher), enjoy a barbecue with friends, take in a ballgame, or take a family trip, I hope you each have an enjoyable weekend as you honor Memorial Day and remember those who gave their all so we could enjoy our weekends in peace and freedom!

Thank you for all you do as dedicated members of the world’s premier humanitarian organization!!

Enjoy and stay safe.

Best regards,

Mike Parks- Regional CEO and U. S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral (Retired)

Mike’s Memorial Day Message

Posted on May 25, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Mike Parks, RADM, U. S. Coast Guard (Ret.)
Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross, Northeast Ohio Region

Northeast Ohio American Red Cross Family: This weekend we will commemorate Memorial Day—the last official observance during Military Appreciation Month. Six days ago we observed Armed Forces Day (May 19^th) when we recognized all those who have, or are serving, in our Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard). This day of commemoration began in 1949 when President Truman proclaimed it would be observed on the third Saturday in May.

We also recognize military spouses’ incredible impact to our lives and communities during this month on Military Spouse Appreciation Day which is observed on the Friday in May right before Mother’s Day ever since President Reagan proclaimed it so in 1984.

As we prepare to recognize Memorial Day, which is often associated with the unofficial start of summer (especially for boaters and anglers on the shores of Lake Erie), we should remember that Memorial Day honors those almost 1.2 million servicemen and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice serving our great nation. The last Monday in May is set aside for our nation to Honor, Remember, and Never Forget the fallen and their sacrifice.

So as we put burgers on the BBQ in our backyards this weekend, take in some baseball, basketball, or boating, let us not forget why we have this long weekend. We’re fortunate to live in a part of the country where small town Memorial Day parades are everywhere—please take one in—stand and place your hand over your heart when “Old Glory” passes by—thank a veteran for their service—simply put, remember and honor the sacrifice that has paid, and continues to pay, for our freedom! As members of the American Red Cross—we’re privileged to serve in the world’s premier humanitarian organization that has a long history of serving our Armed Forces of this world’s greatest nation—an organization that has it’s very roots in the battlefield. Thank you for what you do and for Honoring, Remembering, and Never Forgetting! God bless the United States of America.

Yours in service,
Mike Parks.

Memorial Day Remarks from CEO Mike Parks

Posted on May 29, 2017 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Mike Parks, Regional Chief Executive Officer and U. S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral (Retired) delivered the keynote address at the Memorial Day commemoration for the city of Pepper Pike. In his remarks, Mike noted how Memorial Day and the Red Cross both have their roots in the Civil War, and that the Red Cross continues to provide Service to the Armed Forces. He also wrote the following message to Red Cross workers in the Northeast Ohio Region:

Members of the NEO Red Cross Family: Memorial Day is such a special day when we pay homage to those brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we might be able to enjoy the freedoms we do each and every day. As many of you know, both Memorial Day and the Red Cross have their origins in the Civil War. The first Memorial Day—then known as Decoration Day—was in 1866 when Civil War soldiers’ graves were adorned with flowers. And of course, Clara Barton’s service providing aid and comfort to soldiers as a nurse during the Civil War inspired her to begin the American Red Cross.

Thank you all for all you do each and every day to help pay it forward and never taking our freedom for granted. Just a reminder, the National Moment of Remembrance Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 2000 to “encourage people of the US to give something back to their country which provides them with so much freedom and opportunity.”

I encourage all of us to join together on this Memorial Day at 3:00 p.m., wherever we may be, whatever we may be doing, to contemplate the cost of our freedoms…the freedom to speak our mind…to live where we’d like…to practice whatever religion we choose…to vote…to travel anywhere in this great…the freedom to be anything we choose to be…the freedom to dream…because we are all Americans and we can come together, to honor those who have given their all—so that we may be free!

I’ll leave you with the inspiring words of singer Lee Greenwood…you know the tune: “I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me!”

Have a great day & God Bless the USA! Best regards…Mike

Regional CEO’s Memorial Day Message

Posted on May 30, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Mike Parks, CEO, American Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region
RADM USCG (Ret.)

Members of the Northeast Ohio Region of the American Red Cross Family: Although I know many of you have been busy this weekend continuing the lifesaving work of our American Red Cross, I wanted to be sure to encourage each of us to take time to reflect and remember why we even recognize the holiday known as Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is mostly known as the party-packed kickoff weekend to summer, and it includes a day off from work. While, yes, that makes it an amazing annual celebration, the history of Memorial Day is extremely important to keep in mind. It is about honoring all the brave individuals who have lost their lives while serving in the military. This holiday is centuries old, and in the midst of hitting the open road with friends and backyard barbeques, we should at least take a moment to acknowledge all the service members who have died fighting for our freedom. After all, that’s why Memorial Day exists in the first place—and our freedom isn’t “free.”

To all of you, thank you for your tremendous service to the American Red Cross and what you do every day to help our communities. If you’d like to learn more about Memorial Day and the American Red Cross—I’ve included some information below. Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.

Best regards…Mike

Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery

MEMORIAL DAY AND THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

Memorial Day (then known as Decoration Day) originally honored those who died in the Civil War. Because the Civil War occurred on American soil, it had the highest number of American casualties. About 620,000 American soldiers died in the Civil War, whereas 700,000 Americans have died in all other conflicts and wars combined. So following the Civil War, a tradition of decorating soldiers’ graves on a day in spring was born. It’s fitting that the origins of the American Red Cross were found during that same deadly conflict.

When the Civil War began in 1861, Clara Barton was just another clerk at the Patent Office in Washington, D.C. Barton’s great crusade, which helped define modern humanitarianism, began when she saw soldiers crowding into the city without food or shelter prepared for them. More importantly, there was not enough medical care for wounded soldiers returning from the front.

She began distributing food and supplies to sick and wounded soldiers in the area but soon realized there was an even greater need for her services closer to the battlefield. After receiving permission to travel to the front lines, she started delivering medical supplies and tending to wounded soldiers right on the fields of battle, often risking her life to do so. Eventually, army commanders recognized the good work she was doing and gave her responsibility for all the Union’s hospitals along the James River.

After the war, Barton continued her humanitarian work by helping relatives find the remains of 22,000 soldiers who’d been reported missing. She also helped identify — and bury — 13,000 casualties of the Andersonville Prison Camp in Georgia.

After four years of this work, Barton took a break and visited Europe. But any chance for a restful vacation ended when she learned of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which had been founded in Geneva in 1864. She was drawn to its mission of providing international aid to protect the sick and wounded on all sides in war.

Barton stayed to help civilians caught up in the Franco-Prussian War, and when she returned to the States, she urged the U.S. government to sign the Geneva Treaty that created the ICRC. U.S. approval to join the international organization came in 1881, and the American Red Cross was incorporated on May 21 of that year.

Now, 135 years later, the American Red Cross is still going strong, providing shelter, food, and healthcare services at roughly 70,000 disasters every year, from single-home fires to earthquakes that affect millions. Its blood program collects, tests, and types over 40 percent of the country’s blood supply. It delivers needed services to 150,000 military families each year, including training and support for wounded veterans. The Red Cross also provides training in first aid, CPR, and lifeguarding. As part of an international organization, it joins the Red Cross in 187 countries to help over 100 million people worldwide every year.

2016 Memorial Day Ceremony, Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery: Photo Credit/Jessica Tischler, American Red Cross

2016 Memorial Day Ceremony, Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery : Photo Credit/Jessica Tischler, American Red Cross

2016 Memorial Day Ceremony, Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery: Photo Credit/Jessica Tischler, American Red Cross

Scouts decorate the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery with U. S. flags for the 2016 Memorial Day Ceremony: Photo credit

Red Cross volunteers supply water to scouts decorating the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery: Photo credit/Cal Pusateri, American Red Cross Volunteer

Scouts decorate the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery with U. S. flags for the 2016 Memorial Day Ceremony: Photo credit/Cal Pusateri, American Red Cross Volunteer