LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the American Red Cross of Dutchess
County upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary on March
18, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions, and their employees and volunteers, that are devoted to the
welfare of the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the American Red Cross of Dutchess County upon the occasion of celebrat-
ing its 100th Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, The American Red Cross of Dutchess County will commemorate
this most auspicious occasion at its Red Tie Event to be held on Thurs-
day, March 18, 2010, at The Grandview, Poughkeepsie, New York; and
WHEREAS, The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by
volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps
people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies; it does this
through services that are consistent with its congressional charter and
the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Cres-
cent Movement; and
WHEREAS, A firm advocate of the ideals of Henri Dunant, who laid the
groundwork for the Red Cross movement in Europe, Clara Barton founded
the American Red Cross in 1881; she lived to see her beloved organiza-
tion become the official American agency for disaster and war relief;
and
WHEREAS, In 1917, the Red Cross consisted of 267 chapters and a total
paid staff of 167 men and women specialists; however, around these bones
of the organization existed the nucleus of the future greatness of the
Red Cross - the professionally trained volunteers and the willing hands
of untrained volunteers, who, when needed, would respond by the
millions; the Red Cross has truly become a part of American life,
national and community alike and the Dutchess County Chapter is no
exception; and
WHEREAS, The Dutchess County Red Cross received its charter in 1909;
since its inception, its workers and volunteers have worked tirelessly
to fulfill the mission of the American Red Cross; and
WHEREAS, Located in Poughkeepsie, New York, the American Red Cross of
Dutchess County was once headquartered at 122 Market Street and later at
47 Cannon Street before moving into its present location at 103 Hooker
Avenue, 25 years ago; and
WHEREAS, Originally, the American Red Cross of Dutchess County
consisted of 26 branches throughout the county; it further expanded when
Dr. Henry Noble MacCracken, president emeritus of Vassar College, draft-
ed the proclamation, signed by President Woodrow Wilson on September 17,
1917, to inaugurate the Junior Red Cross; and
WHEREAS, The early achievements of the American Red Cross of Dutchess
County included the opening of an emergency influenza hospital in
Sargent Gymnasium, Beacon, New York, in 1918; a Day Nursery for working
mothers in 1921; and, in 1931, a traveling dental clinic, which was
greatly supported by the Junior Red Cross, enabling the clinic to visit
all corners of the County where many could not normally receive dental
services; and
WHEREAS, The 1940s was an extremely busy period for the American Red
Cross of Dutchess County, due in much part to World War II; in 1942, the
Dutchess County volunteers sewed and distributed 1,203 garments, ranging

from hospital bed sheets to woolen clothing; in 1944, there was a 400
bed Army Air Force Convalescent Center at the Pawling School in which
the Chapter was greatly involved; and
WHEREAS, In addition, in 1946, the American Red Cross of Dutchess
County established the Learn to Swim Program, which still operates in
the several communities today; also in 1946, 68 Dutchess County public
schools participated in a Junior Red Cross program to send gift boxes to
children who lived overseas in war-ravaged Europe; and
WHEREAS, Through the ensuing years, the American Red Cross of Dutchess
County continued to grow and adapt to the changing times; in 1982,
Dutchess County Disaster Services purchased a pager system which allows
volunteers to respond to disasters at any and all times; and
WHEREAS, Today, the American Red Cross of Dutchess County continues to
help individuals and communities in times of need as well as to educate
people in techniques and tactics to ensure health and safety; and
WHEREAS, The American Red Cross of Dutchess County is always there to
help people, and to prevent, prepare for, and respond to life's emergen-
cies; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to commend the Dutchess County Chapter of the
American Red Cross, its expert staff and dedicated volunteers, fully
confident that it will continue to play a leadership role in the commu-
nity for many years to come; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the American Red Cross of Dutchess County upon the occasion of
celebrating its 100th Anniversary on March 18, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the American Red Cross of Dutchess County.