American Red Cross to Hold Flag-Raising Ceremony in Jim Thorpe to Commemorate March is Red Cross Month
News Release: February 25, 2002
Contact: Janice Osborne, Manager-Media & Community Affairs
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
March is Red Cross Month and American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley will kick off the national commemoration with a flag-raising ceremony at noon, Friday, March 1, at the Carbon County Court House Annex, Two Hazard Square in Jim Thorpe. The public is invited.
"Red Cross Month is a time designated by the president of the United States to recognize the life-saving differences the American Red Cross makes for people in the greater Lehigh Valley and around the world every day," said John Hughes, executive director of the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley. "Since July, the efforts of dedicated Red Cross volunteers and employees in Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties have helped 892
individuals faced with disasters receive comfort and immediate assistance. Last year, more than 15,700 people attended local American Red Cross health and safety classes and received the skills they may someday need to save a life. Countless people have given the gift of life by donating blood.
"As we celebrate Red Cross Month, it is fitting to honor the many individuals and institutions who have joined us this year. Through the efforts of more than 450 dedicated
volunteers who lend their time to helping their neighbors and the thousands of people
who have made generous financial contributions, your American Red Cross makes a lifesaving difference for thousands of people in our community.
"We're especially delighted to kick off this important month in Carbon County and to thank the community for its support of the Red Cross," said Hughes.
Carbon County Administrator Randall Smith, Commissioner Chairman Wayne E. Nothstein and Commissioners Tom C. Gerhard and Charles W. Getz will host the ceremony.
"The Carbon County Commissioners are pleased to host this flag-raising ceremony," said Smith. "It is appropriate, in these times, that the Red Cross flag fly with the American flag because it symbolizes the support of the Red Cross for our country and its people in time of need."
The commissioners will give special recognition to board members of the former Carbon County Red Cross Chapter which was dissolved in July 2001. The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley now serves the Carbon County community.
Speaking at the ceremony on behalf of the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley will be Executive Director John Hughes and Branch Manager Carl Kist.
In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the Commissioners Room located on the third floor of the Annex.
County, city and borough offices across the greater Lehigh Valley region will also fly the Red Cross flag during the month of March.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared March 1943 to be Red Cross Month. Every year since, each American president has issued a similar proclamation, stating the contributions of the American Red Cross to the United States. President George W. Bush is expected to issue his proclamation in support of the Red Cross in the next few days.
In a special video thank you to American Red Cross employees and volunteers, President Bush commended Red Cross for its efforts during the attacks of Sept. 11. "No organization has done more to channel the American spirit than the American Red Cross," said Bush, referring to the events of Sept. 11. "The American Red Cross did more than give help -- they gave hope. Your [American Red Cross] good work helped comfort our citizens and helped inspire our nation."
The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 660,000 residents in Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training and emergency relief services to more than 15,700 greater Lehigh Valley residents.
For more information about your local Red Cross, visit www.redcrosslv.org.
