Independence Day Reminds of Red Cross History: U.S. Senate Recognizes Red Cross Clubmobiles

Written by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor

Over the Fourth of July, we take time as Americans to celebrate our country and our patriotism. One of the core values of America is service to our country, which is something that the Red Cross has been doing in the Dallas area for over 101 years. One way that the American Red Cross serves our country is by providing support to our military. During World World II our troops deployed all over the globe to fight for freedom and peace. The American Red Cross was right behind them, serving out of newly built Red Cross Clubmobiles that could follow the troops on their missions overseas.

The first Red Cross Clubmobile arrived in France just days after the D-Day invasion began. That summer, 80 Red Cross Clubmobiles provided food, drink, friendly faces to the troops and a listening ear.

The American Red Cross women who volunteered and operated Clubmobiles during World War II were recognized recently by the United States Senate with Resolution 471. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) spoke on the U.S. Senate floor on the importance of honoring the Clubmobile women.

“A visit from a Clubmobile was one of the most significant events for a young G.I. in combat far from home,” she said.“These women were trailblazers. During the war, 52 Red Cross women lost their lives, some of them from the Clubmobiles. Their stories are those of a nation at war….their stories are every bit as vibrant and important to our victory as those of the men who valiantly fought to defend our freedom.”

Barbara Pathe began her Red Cross career in 1942 as a volunteer; in the photo above she serves as a Clubmobile captain and club director with the armed forces in Europe during WWII. She described a 19-year-old that frequented her station” 

“He stood there and talked to me the whole time we were serving,” she said. “Listening was the biggest thing we did. Nothing else, just listening.”

The resolution was sponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Joe Lieberman (I/D-CT), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME), James Inhofe (R-OK), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Mark Pryor (D-AR), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).

“Service to members of the military and their families is a proud and core part of the Red Cross history and of our mission today, and we appreciate this recognition of the tremendous work of these Red Cross volunteers during World War II,” said Sherri Brown, senior vice president, Services to the Armed Forces, American Red Cross.

For more information about the Red Cross’ long standing history of military support and to learn about how you can serve with us in this capacity today, visit the Service to the Armed Forces page.

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Safety Comes First for Fourth of July Holiday

Your Fourth of July holiday plans may include taking to the highway, setting up a small fireworks display, or firing up the grill to cook something delicious. The American Red Cross provides useful tips that will help you and your loved ones have a safe weekend:

How to stay safe as you travel over the holiday weekend:

• Buckle up, slow down, and don’t drive impaired.
• Be well rested and alert; give your full attention to the road.
• Use caution in work zones.
• Observe speed limits.
• Make frequent stops.
• Be respectful of other motorists and follow the rules of the road.
• If you plan on drinking, designate a driver who won’t drink.
• Clean your vehicle’s lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
• Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.
• Don’t overdrive your headlights.
• Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low.
• If you have car trouble, pull as far as possible off the highway.
• Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in your trunk.
• Find out what disasters may occur where you are traveling, especially if they are disasters you have never experienced before. Find out how you would get information in the event of a disaster (local radio systems, emergency alert systems).
• Pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination. Travel and weather web sites can help you avoid storms and other regional challenges that could impact your safety.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

If you are travelling with your pet, our web site offers special things you should know to make your trip more enjoyable.

Use caution around fireworks:

• Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

To find out more about how to enjoy your holiday, visit www.redcross.org.

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Make this Fourth of July Fun and Safe! (Part 3)

Firework Fun

If shiny things and loud noises are right up your alley, then you’re in luck because the Fourth of July is best known for its firework displays. However, fireworks aren’t all fun and games, and can in fact be quite dangerous. According to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission, approximately 9,000 fireworks injuries resulting in emergency room treatment occur every year. Don’t become a statistic by following these tips:

• Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.



• Keep a supply of water close-by as a precaution.



• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.



• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."



• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.



• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.



• Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.



• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

For more safety tips or to register for a water safety, first aid or CPR/AED course, visit www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross wishes everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July!