A new day for the nation and the American Red Cross

A Presidential inauguration is one of the most amazing things to experience. It comes around every four years the impact of it can be life changing for some. It is inspiring to watch people from various backgrounds, from across the country, gather in the wee hours of the morning just to watch our democracy in action.

This year, I was one of the lucky ones who was able to go see President Barack Obama take the presidential oath along side vice-president Joe Biden. And, as I stood in the cold, since three o’clock in the morning, clinging on to whatever warmth I had, I watched the sun rise above the capitol. And, as I stood there, I thought about how symbolic it all was: A diverse crowd standing to see a new day usher in above the capitol, one of our symbols of democracy.

And, as I thought about it, I realized how symbolically similar the scene was to the American Red Cross. We too are a large group of people sacrificing important things like our time and/or money, with diverse backgrounds, from across the country, from sea to shining sea, united by one set of common beliefs: our fundamental principles and the belief in helping Americans prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. And as we redesign our national website, recognize the importance of youth more and more, and welcome our new honorary chairman, President Barack Obama, we too face a new day and a new era at the American Red Cross.

Lucas Matze, California