Clara Barton personified compassion, fortitude and mercy. When the Civil War started, Clara began a tireless campaign to comfort sick and wounded soldiers. Undaunted by the bullets that flew around her, she risked her life to take food and medical supplies to soldiers in the midst of battle. For these acts of courage, Clara was known as the “angel of the Battlefield.” She went on to found, in 1881, one of the greatest humanitarian organizations in the world, the American Red Cross. 125 years later, the American Red Cross is as relevant as when it began. 

 

Each and every woman being celebrated has demonstrated a long standing commitment to the American Red Cross through volunteer service, blood donations, financial support and legacy gifts. Each individual act may seem small, but collectively, these women have been the foundation of the American Red Cross in Central New York. Through their service they saved and changed lives. Women have played a vital role in the heritage of the Red Cross and with the creation of the “Everyday Angels” they will continue to be our hope as we move into our next century of service…