March 26, 1941. Women across the nation were knitting children’s suits, toddler clothing, men’s uniforms, and gloves and sweaters for the soldiers in World War II. One woman from St. Louis donated several of the original directions given to the knitters between 1939 and 1945. She even wrote a short letter about how she, her mom and two other ladies knitted toddler sets during the “Knitting for Britain” campaign in 1939 and 1940. For their continued service and dedication, the four knitters received service pins. This is the second letter I have seen where a St. Louis Area volunteer was buried with her Red Cross service pin. From reading the volunteers’ accounts, I have come to realize how much a small sign of appreciation such as a pin can mean to a volunteer.

The woman also sent in eight cards from her mother’s memorabilia. The eight cards were in appreciation for her knitting garments when she was in Hodgen Grade School, probably around 1921 and 1922. Her mom gave blood until she was made aware through her Red Cross blood appointment and exam that she had high blood pressure. And, the woman’s father constantly donated blood until he reached the giving limit at age 65. When the age limit was removed, he made an appointment with his doctor specifically so he could have permission to give blood. His appointment was December 30, 1972. As fate would have it, he was buried that day.

People like the ones this letter is written about have helped shaped the Red Cross throughout the years. Reading these first-hand accounts and looking through the publications, memos and telegrams from the 1900’s to today have helped me gain an even deeper respect, admiration and connection to the Red Cross.

It’s amazing what you can unfold from history.

Until next time,

Kimberly