LXXXV
A Greek Red Cross on a field of white should tell any soldier of any country within the treaty that the wearer was his friend and could be trusted; and to any officer of any army that he was legitimately there, and not subject to capture. Clara Barton.
This is what the Red Cross means, not an order of knighthood, not a commandery of it, not a secret society, not a society at all by itself, but the powerful, peaceful sign and the reducing to practical usefulness of one of the broadest and most needed humanities the world has ever known. Clara Barton.
I hope that all the patriotic and humane men, women and children of the United States who are able to do so, will give it (the Red Cross) their support by becoming members of our national organization. Ex-President Theodore Roosevelt.
I hereby commend the plan of the Red Cross to secure a large membership in this country. I hope the American people will prove as patriotic in this respect as are the people of other nations, so that we may be as well prepared as they to render relief in the misfortune of war or to mitigate the suffering caused by pestilence, famine, fire, floods, mine explosions and other great disasters.
Ex-President W. H. Taft.
A large, well-organized and efficient Red Cross is essential. It is both a patriotic and humane service that is rendered by every citizen who becomes a member of the American Red Cross.
Ex-President Woodrow Wilson.
I perceive that in creating an institution that shall be National and of the people the foundations must be as broad and as solid as the whole nation. Clara Barton.
The Red Cross has become well known and well beloved. Of all the great humanitarian institutions of this country the Red Cross is surely among the greatest. Clara Barton.
Though we may leave our task unaccomplished, the task may be glorious in design if not in completion, and speak of us sincerely and with more fitting substance than words could ever compass or suggest. Clara Barton.
The Red Cross is the Big Brother of the Fighting Man.
General Leonard Wood.
The Red Cross is the most generally recognized humanitarian movement in the known world. Clara Barton.
The Red Cross has awakened the senses, and attuned the public ear to the cry of distress wherever emanating. Clara Barton.
The Treaty of Geneva takes its powers from the common consent of the United Governments of the civilized world.
Clara Barton.
Human intelligence has devised the provisions of the Red Cross, and it is peculiarly adapted to popular favor. Clara Barton.
It is probable that no sign nor figure in the secular world is sacred to so many people as is the Red Cross of Geneva. Clara Barton.
The insignia, which has given its name to the Treaty of Geneva, has become universally known and respected. Clara Barton.
The Red Cross never leads, but follows, in all military matters.
Clara Barton.
The Red Cross has given rise to most valuable inventions and, under its humane impulses, sanitary science has made rapid progress.
Clara Barton.
Inspired by the love of humanity and the world-wide motto of the Red Cross: “In time of peace and prosperity, prepare for war and calamity.” Clara Barton.
© Clinedinst, Washington, D. C.
AMBASSADOR BAKHMETEFF
The veneration in which Russians of every class hold the name of Clara Barton.—Russian Ambassador Boris Bakhmeteff (in Boston in 1917).
The Ambassador requested me to transmit to you the expression of every loyal Russian appreciation for the splendid work done by the American Red Cross during the last war, and especially for its assistance to the needy in Russia.—G. Gagarine, First Secretary to the Embassy (in Washington in 1920).
Some forty nations are in the Red Cross treaty, and from every military hospital in every one of these nations floats the same flag.
Clara Barton.
Of all existing organizations, there is possibly not one that has causes for sentiment of higher devotion and more prayerful gratitude than the Red Cross, which owes its very life to pity and help for the woes of the world. Clara Barton.
The Red Cross means not national aid for the needs of the people, but the people’s aid for the needs of the nation.
Clara Barton.
History records the wonderful achievements of the Red Cross, greatest of relief organizations, though it cannot record the untold suffering which has been averted by it. Clara Barton.
I desire to enroll all to whom this message may come as subscribing, or sustaining, members of the Red Cross; and I wish this idea to spread and grow until it develops into a great National Red Cross movement. Then my hope will be realized. And when the call shall come I can lay the burden of my work tenderly and lovingly into the lap of the whole people, with whom I have labored so many years, and who will keep and cherish it always because it is the sacred cause of humanity they hold. Clara Barton.
In France recently there was found in the mails an unstamped postcard addressed, “Clara Barton, Heaven,” and on the card was written, “You certainly founded a wonderful institution,” and signed “A Soldier.” Press Dispatch.
No country is more liable than our own to great overmastering calamities, various, widespread and terrible. Clara Barton.
Seldom a year passes that the nation, from sea to sea, is not by the shock of some sudden, unforeseen disaster, brought to utter consternation and stands shivering like a ship in a gale, powerless, terrified and despairing. Clara Barton.
Through Clara Barton’s influence the International Congress of Berne adopted the “American Amendment.”
Mary R. Parkman, Author.
Although the original purpose and object of the Red Cross was indeed to heal the wounds and sickness incident to warfare, there will remain the work under the “American Amendment,” in which the Red Cross goes forth to heal other great ills of life.
Clara Barton.