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Newsroom Chapter Blog
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Feb
12
2/12/2009 9:57 AM
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| In 1906 the American Red Cross added an office of President to its structure. In 1913, President Woodrow Wilson agreed to serve in this position, thereby establishing a tradition followed by all subsequent presidents that they become Honorary President (since 1947 “Honorary Chairman”) of the American Red Cross. |
For two days after the inauguration my husband Al, two stepdaughters and I toured the National Mall and the Smithsonian. After the museums closed on our last night in D.C. we walked to various monuments to take photos against the night sky. As we walked from the Lincoln Memorial, past the Vietnam War memorial, around the Washington monument towards the White House, Al and I discussed the week's events. Still invigorated and amazed by what we experienced on inauguration day we also discussed the new president himself. I recalled a quote from President Obama’s book: “I believe a stronger sense of empathy would tilt the balance of our current politics in favor of those people who are struggling in this society. After all, if they are like us, then their struggles are our own. If we fail to help, we diminish ourselves."
A block from the White House, (or at least a block from the barricade of inauguration parade bleachers still standing in front), I looked up and noticed a curious building that looked some what like a small White House. A banner read: "Welcome to our Honorary Chairman President Obama". That's when I realized this was the Red Cross! The following week I was due at my local chapter to create the Health and Safety class news releases for March. Under the banner I thought of how I am but a small part of the vast many of Red Cross volunteers and employees that do not fail to help, that do not diminish ourselves! I smiled and took a picture of the building and sign to share with the Communications department back in St. Louis. What a wonderful way to end a memorable week in our nation's capital.
Mary Andrew Swacker
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2 comment(s) so far...
Re: Mary Andrew Swacker -- Tales from Washington, D.C.
What a great experience! Thanks for sharing, Mary.
By Brooke on
2/12/2009 12:16 PM
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Re: Mary Andrew Swacker -- Tales from Washington, D.C.
This story and photo are so great...Thanks for all that you do as a Red Cross volunteer, Mary. Your work is so important and appreciated!
By Stephen Hall on
2/16/2009 10:26 AM
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