In the tradition of American Red Cross founder Clara Barton, local Service to the Armed Forces volunteers honored military veterans by placing flags on their graves at two local cemeteries ahead of Memorial Day. Following the Civil War, Barton led an effort to mark the graves of more than 13,000 fallen soldiers in Andersonville, Georgia—a legacy of remembrance that continues today. Photo slideshows from both local events are included below.
The Woodlands, Philadelphia
The first flag-placing event took place on May 9 at The Woodlands Cemetery in Philadelphia. Established in 1840 as a Victorian cemetery and arboretum, The Woodlands is now designated a National Historic Landmark District in recognition of its unique history and rich natural resources.
Tucked near the VA Hospital in University City, this hidden gem of the Philadelphia Parks system is the final resting place for veterans who served in conflicts spanning from the Civil War to more recent generations. Volunteers carefully placed flags to honor their service and sacrifice.
On May 16, volunteers gathered once again to place flags—this time at the Lower Merion Baptist Church Cemetery in Bryn Mawr. Approximately 270 veterans are buried at this historic site, which opened in 1811.
The American Red Cross supports the U.S. military community at every stage of service—from the moment a service member takes the oath, through deployments and transitions, and into life as a veteran. Across the globe, Red Cross teams provide assistance in military hospitals, on installations at home and overseas, and through local chapter offices in every state. In Southeastern Pennsylvania alone, the Red Cross delivered more than 1,100 services to military members, veterans, and their families last year.
Visit our website to learn more about how the Red Cross supports our military community.
In celebration of Black History Month, we invited colleagues to share their thoughts and stories as proud Red Crossers that make up our inclusive team in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Please note, the views expressed in this post are of the author and not necessarily those of the American Red Cross. Learn more about our culture of mission, impact and inclusion.
By Carla Moore
Carla Moore (left) with Service to the Armed Forces volunteer Mary Harper at Philadelphia Vet Fest on Aug. 5, 2025. Submitted photo
Hello! My name is Carla Moore, and I am a Program Specialist for Service to the Armed Forces in Southeast Pennsylvania (SEPA). In my role, I focus on casework and service delivery for veterans and their families. My days are spent managing emergency messages for service members and overseeing critical care casework for those in need. The toughest part of my job is witnessing veterans struggle with mental health challenges and homelessness. This work requires deep compassion and dedication to build trust and meaningful connections with clients and volunteers.
The best part of my job is celebrating small victories—delivering food to pantries, making successful referrals, and knowing that even small actions can make a difference. I value being part of an organization that acknowledges individuals, cultures, and communities. Recognizing Black history and culture inspires me to strive for greatness, and I hope it encourages others as well. With the changing social climate, honoring this time of year has become even more important to me.
I joined the Red Cross because I wanted to be part of an organization committed to sincere, impactful work. I am grateful to be in a space that embraces diversity and provides opportunities to grow. I’ve always aspired to a career in humanitarian service, and I feel confident that I have finally arrived.
In celebration of Black History Month, we invited colleagues to share their thoughts and stories as proud Red Crossers that make up our inclusive team in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Please note, the views expressed in this post are of the author and not necessarily those of the American Red Cross. Learn more about our culture of mission, impact and inclusion.
By Tyrone Knight
Tyrone Knight is a volunteer duty officer with the American Red Cross. Submitted photo
At 68 years old, I can honestly say I’ve had a full and meaningful life and the American Red Cross has played a significant role in that journey. Growing up as a poor kid in North Philadelphia, I was searching for my future. After high school, I joined the Army as a private and retired 21 years later as a Major. During my military service, I saw and appreciated the vital emergency communications mission the Red Cross provides to service members and their families.
In January 1997, I began working for the Red Cross in Armed Forces Emergency Services as an Assistant Station Manager at Fort Bragg, NC. Six months later, I deployed to Bosnia as part of Red Cross Operation Joint Guard Team-8 supporting US troops participating in the NATO-led peacekeeping mission (SFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina enforcing the Dayton Peace Accords. That assignment taught me the power of partnership and morale—we even hosted a Super Bowl party for the troops at Eagle Base, Bosnia,
A year later, I returned home to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Region to work in Emergency Services as a Disaster Specialist in Logistical Operations. I served as Hurricane Watch Officer during Hurricane Floyd and helped prepare for Y2K—a big deal at the time. In 2001, I left the Red Cross to work for the Department of Defense, where I spent 22 years before retiring as Foreign Military Sales, Branch Chief at Aberdeen Proving Grounds.
I always knew I’d come back to the Red Cross. In 2023, after retiring and moving back to Media, PA, I attended a Juneteenth celebration and saw a Red Cross table staffed by warm, friendly volunteers. That moment brought me full circle. Today, I serve as a Regional Duty Officer, and a member of Volunteer Services, Regional Volunteer Recognition Committee.
As a Duty Officer, I’m often the first point of contact for people who need help. I help people in crisis navigate their emergency with calm, professionalism, and compassion. I joined the Volunteer Recognition Committee because I’m constantly amazed by what this organization accomplishes through the power of volunteers. I want to celebrate that.
I’m proud to be back with the Red Cross. It’s important work, and it’s in my blood.
Newspaper clip from Tyrone Knight’s service at Eagle Base in Bosnia. Submitted photo
Despite the rain, approximately 30 Red Crossers turned out on Sunday to honor the service and sacrifice of active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families at the 11th Annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade and Festival. They joined more than 100 veterans organizations and 4,000 participants in a powerful display of gratitude and support.
The celebration came just one day before the U.S. Marine Corps marked its 250th birthday, drawing thousands to Philadelphia for a weekend of patriotic activities.
Like last year, the parade traveled a half mile along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway before ending at Eakins Oval, where the festival featured live music, food vendors, veterans organizations and more.
Slideshow photos of the Philadelphia Veterans Parade & Festival by Dan Porter, Konrad Jones, Alana Mauger and Irvin Diaz. See the full gallery on Flickr.
On Veterans Day – and every day – the American Red Cross proudly stands with those who serve. For more than a century, the Red Cross has been a trusted partner to the U.S. military, deploying in every conflict since the Spanish-American War.
Last year in Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Red Cross delivered 1,117 services to help military members, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with and respond to the challenges of military service.
From the first day of enlistment, service members and their families are eligible for Red Cross services. These include:
Hero Care Network: The Red Cross connects service members, veterans and their families to free and confidential assistance any day, any time. This includes emergency communication messages, financial assistance, critical community services and more.
Whole Health Programs: The Red Cross aims to improve the health and wellness of people in the military community through programs that focus on the whole health of each individual, including behavioral health workshops, hospital and peer support programs and a global network for caregivers to increase feelings of connection, hope and wellbeing.
Overseas Military Community Support: The Red Cross maintains a global presence on over 380 military installations and deployment sites worldwide, providing in-person support for troops and their families.
Visit redcross.org/SAF to learn more about how the Red Cross supports service members, veterans and their families and how to volunteer.
Video short from the 11th Annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade & Festival. Watch it on You-Tube.
Shown from left to right: Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces volunteers Louise Murphy, Karen Nielsen, Nevine Imam, Nicole Bryan and Coatesville Community Living Center recreation assistant Kimiko Hill. Photo by Jenny Farley / American Red Cross
On the wall of a large room at the Coatesville Community Living Center – part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Coatesville Healthcare System – hangs a beautifully carved wooden American flag that gives the illusion of waving in the wind despite being still. A veteran who lives at VA nursing home designed the flag.
If you look closely, you can see what’s written in the bottom right corner. It is a nod to the famous quote from Stephen King’s The Shawshank Redemption, “Get busy living or get busy dying.”
On October 14, volunteers from the American Red Cross Delaware Valley Chapter came to that room with the flag to help veterans who have birthdays in October celebrate another year of life.
Karen Nielsen drove to the nursing home with a huge birthday cake and a cooler filled with ice cream. She has volunteered for the Red Cross for the past two years and has several roles including Volunteer Partner to the Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) national director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network and the Coatesville VA Hospital Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) local representative.
Karen’s favorite part about helping veterans is, “Having the opportunity to be there for them, showing we care, and that we have not forgotten their sacrifice.”
Pictured far left, Red Cross volunteers Karen Nielsen and Louise Murphy carry in cake and ice cream to veterans at the Coatesville Community Living Center. Pictured center, the birthday cake provided by Red Cross volunteers. Pictured far right, Karen Nielsen started volunteering for the Red Cross after her friend lost her home in a fire in Maui. She said, “Like many of our volunteers I wear many hats.” Photos by Jenny Farley / American Red Cross
Most of the veterans arrived at the festive celebration by wheelchair, brought down from their rooms by Red Cross volunteers and nursing home staff in an elevator, happy to be at the birthday party that was just for them.
Wearing her Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces T-shirt, Nicole Bryan helped veterans get to the party and then cut the birthday cake into several pieces. Nicole has volunteered for the Red Cross for four years.
“I love it. I am mission driven. I believe in giving back. I have been in humanitarian service for over 35 years, so this is my purpose,” she said.
Nicole’s husband is an Army veteran who retired in 2022 after 31 years of dedicated service. Her dad fought in the Vietnam War and died in 2018. So, while she was serving cake to the veterans in Coatesville, she also thought of her own family’s military service and sacrifice.
Pictured left: Red Cross volunteers Karen Nielsen and Nicole Bryan help veterans get from their rooms to their birthday party at the VA nursing home in Coatesville. Pictured right: Louise Murphy, Nicole Bryan and Nevine Imam are Red Cross volunteers shown from left to right. They celebrated the October birthdays of veterans at a VA nursing home in Coatesville. Photos by Jenny Farley / American Red Cross
That was true for Louise Murphy too. Louise has two 18-year-old nephews who are active-duty Marines. Her father served in the Army Air Corps in World War 2.
Louise volunteered for the Red Cross in high school and started volunteering again about a year ago after retiring from her career as a special education teacher to middle school students.
She said it meant “everything” to her to be able to help the veterans at the VA nursing home celebrate.
“They deserve so much. They’ve given so much for this country and I think sometimes we forget about that. We need to acknowledge them as much as we can because we wouldn’t be where we are as a country right now if it weren’t for their service.”
When Nevine Imam moved to the United States she started looking for ways to give back to her community. Volunteering for the Red Cross was a great fit. She enjoyed talking to veterans at the birthday party and said it was her way of supporting them and showing gratitude for all they have done to protect America.
“It was really an honor and a pleasure for me,” she said.
Everyone in the room wanted the day to be special.
The message on the wooden flag summed things up perfectly. It read, “Welcome to the CLC-138 Nursing Home Where the Veterans Are Busy Living, Not Dying.”
A veteran at the Coatesville Community Living Center designed the wooden flag that is displayed. Look in the bottom right corner to see a nod to Stephen King’s The Shawshank Redemption quote, “Get busy living or get busy dying.” Photo by Jenny Farley / American Red Cross
The Red Cross has supported veterans and military families for more than 100 years and has a global presence on over 380 military installations and deployment sites worldwide. If you would like to volunteer to help the military and veteran community, visit redcross.org/SAF to sign up.
Get involved
Do you want to know more about what Red Cross volunteers do for Veterans at the VA medical centers? In her own words, Karen Nielsen explains two paths volunteers can take:
Become a Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) volunteer: Contribute to the quality of life provided by the VA Health Care System through volunteer jobs provided at the local VA Health Care Facility. These jobs may include: Greeter, patient escort, refreshment cart support, lab runner, clinical administrative volunteer, recreation therapy assistant, information desk worker, patient visitor and many other unique positions. Roles are recurring on a weekly or monthly basis.
Support local Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) activities: Join the Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) SAF team to provide support for Veteran related activities including birthday celebrations at the VA, Caregiver Tabling events to discuss preparedness, Homeless Veteran Stand Downs, Veteran Day Parades and Flag Placement at local cemeteries.
High school junior Maddie Mafodda with her mom Allison when they dropped off collected hygiene items at the Veterans Multi-Service Center in Philadelphia last spring. Photo by Mary Harper / American Red Cross
Hi! My name is Maddie Mafodda, a current junior at Academy of Notre Dame de Namur in Villanova. Last year, I founded our school’s Red Cross Club. The whole idea started because my mom started her new job working for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Region of the American Red Cross. During the spring season in March and April, our club organized a hygiene product collection that would benefit the Veterans Multi-Service Center in Philadelphia. Here is my experience starting and organizing my club and this collection.
It all happened very spontaneously, but I don’t regret it for a second! One day, my mom approached me with the idea of starting a Red Cross Club at my school, and I was instantly intrigued. That became the birth of the Academy of Notre Dame Red Cross Club.
The first couple of months were pretty shaky. I was having trouble learning how to be a leader, especially since I was a sophomore and most of my club members were older than me. However, with the help of my mom and Ellen Ginda from Volunteer Services, I found my way and ended the year with a very memorable drive – our hygiene collection for veterans.
The whole idea actually started with a social media video I watched. It was a “monthly empties” video where influencers share their favorite hygiene products of the month to hopefully “influence” others to purchase the goods. My original thought was “wow, I’m sure girls at my school would like to share their favorite products!” I ended up bringing the idea of doing a hygiene collection to my club moderator, and our Red Cross coordinator Ellen, and they loved the idea! We started planning (almost) immediately.
The first thing I had to do was receive permission from our school administration. I spoke to our director of student affairs, and we came up with a game plan for the drive. We decided that the week after spring break would be the best week to have the drive. We also came up with the idea of assigning different hygiene products to different grade levels, so that there was more of a balance with the products we were receiving to donate. We came up with these assignments:
Middle School – Body Wash/ Bar Soap
9th and 10th – Toothpaste/ Oral Care
11th – Deodorant
12th – 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner
Example of a Academy of Notre Dame de Namur Red Cross Club hygiene donation bin.
Second, we had to advertise the club. Club members made posters to hang up around school, and I wrote a speech for our student council members to say during our morning announcements. This really got the message out, and people started getting excited about the week of the collection.
Finally, collection week came! We kept a bin with a Red Cross label outside of the Nurse’s office, because she is our club moderator, and the Nurse’s office is in a central location of campus. Over the week, the bin filled to a very impressive amount! It was so full, we needed multiple people to carry the bin to our car to take to the Veterans Multi-Service Center.
After the drive was over, my mom and I drove to the Veterans Multi-Service Center to meet Red Cross volunteer Mary Harper to drop off the donations. Since I was still a minor, I was not allowed to go into the center to drop off the donations, but the front desk ladies seemed very grateful for our donations; they even gave us Tastykakes as a thank you!
From what I have heard, our donations filled many boxes that were running low or were empty, and that made my heart very warm. I shared this information with my club members, and they were so happy!
The drive made such an impact on my club members and I that we already have plans to repeat the drive; I hope it continues to be this successful in the future.
Service to the Armed Forces volunteer Janice Winston with her national award . Photo by Dave Skutnik / American Red Cross
The Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) team of the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Region recently honored longtime volunteer Janice Winston, who was nationally recognized as a Service to the Armed Forces–International Services (SAF-IS) Exceptional Volunteer.
A Red Cross volunteer for more than 20 years, Janice began serving as the VAVS representative for the Cpl. Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Philadelphia in 2009. Today, she leads a dedicated team of 19 volunteers.
“Janice runs her team like a well-oiled machine,” said Jaime Boris, SAF-IS Program Manager for SEPA. “We never have to worry if our VAVS volunteers are being engaged or supported because Janice treats them like family. One need only look at her long history with the organization to see her commitment to her community and passion for impacting the lives of those in need.”
Janice spearheaded several new initiatives over the past year, including signing and presenting birthday cards to in-patient and Community Living Centers (CLC) veterans signing ‘thank you for your service’ notecards to be distributed to clients in the VA’s food pantry and organizing and delivering 93 cases of food donations for the food pantry.
During an annual joint review with VA staff, Janice noticed discrepancies in volunteer hour reporting. She proactively collaborated with VA personnel to reconcile records, ensuring Red Cross volunteers received proper credit for their service.
Following that review, the VA’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) chief shared high praise.
“Janice is one of the best VAVS representatives I have worked with, ever. She is so responsive and diligent. Our medical center would definitely have a few gaps without the Red Cross’ and Janice’s support.”
Janice’s leadership and dedication exemplify the spirit of Red Cross volunteerism. Her national recognition is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on veterans, volunteers and the broader community.
Members of the Red Cross Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) team stand with Janice Winston to celebrate her national award. Photo by Dave Skutnik / American Red Cross
Mary Noll, Red Cross volunteer carefully places the Betsy Ross flag on the grave of a Revolutionary War veteran. Photo by Judith Weeks / American Red Cross
On a rainy Saturday morning in May, American Red Cross volunteers met at Lower Merion Baptist Church Cemetery to place flags on the graves of veterans. This tradition was inspired by Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, when after the Civil War she led a delegation to place flags on the graves of soldiers who died in the Andersonville Prison.
This cemetery is steeped in American Military history
Established in 1811, this cemetery has a rich history. It is the last resting place for veterans of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Red Cross volunteers respectfully placed American flags on the grave of each veteran. Betsy Ross flags were placed on the grave of each Revolutionary War Veteran. This flag from the era of the Revolutionary War has thirteen stars in a circle in a blue square with thirteen alternating red and white stripes.
At the grave of a young Civil War soldier, Mary Punshon, church secretary, told the poignant story of letters he sent to his father describing the horrible conditions while marching to battle. Supplies too much to carry were left behind. The only food was hard tack. He describes sleeping on the ground and on a log when it rained. Finally, the letters ended. During a battle, he was hit with miniballs in the ear and died.
Each volunteer had their own personal reason for participating
This event has special meaning for SAF (Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces) volunteer Don Gavella, a Vietnam War veteran. Proudly wearing a baseball hat with insignias designating his service he explained “this just means a lot to me. Its amazing how many vets are buried in this small place.”
Charles Boyer, SAF volunteer, placed flags in memory of his dad who served in World War II. He was stationed in England and on D-Day, landed on Omaha Beach in the midst of howitzers pounding the beach. Charles said “this is an honor to come out and place these flags. I just like the Red Cross and giving time for the veterans who gave us our freedom.”
Another volunteer, Brian Mosel brought his boss, Andrew. He said “Andrew is just a great guy. He wanted to come out and join me.”
Grandmother Maggie Dudik, a Red Cross volunteer, brought her two granddaughters to experience the respect of placing flags. Granddaughter Adele Singson said, “it’s important and this is a good thing to do, so we’re here helping our grandma.” Her sister, Tristin said “I think it’s a good thing. I’m happy that everyone is helping out, it’s a nice thing to do.
Lynn Cohen, Red Cross executive director for the Delaware Valley Chapter, who attended the event to support Red Cross volunteers said, “I love that we want to thank veterans who came before us for the privileges we have today.”
For Jaime Boris this event has meaning because she has family members who served and family members who lost their lives. “It’s knowing that our community comes together not only for veterans buried here but family members and descendants who are also buried near their loved ones.”
It was an exceptional day for all, with each having a special memory of sharing this experience with a friend or family member.
The American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces volunteers support military families during deployments and emergencies, serve in military and veteran’s hospitals, conduct emergency communications and continues to support our nation’s veteran after their service ends.
In the Tradition of American Red Cross founder Clara Barton, local Service to the Armed Forces volunteers placed flags on the graves of military veterans at two local cemeteries ahead of Memorial Day. After the Civil War, Barton led the effort to mark the graves of 13,000 fallen soldiers in Andersville, Georgia. Photo slide shows from the two local events are included below.
The Woodlands, Philadelphia
The first flag placing event was held on May 3rd at the Woodlands Cemetery in Philadelphia. Established in 1840 as a Victorian Cemetery and Arboretum, the Woodlands was designated a National Historic Landmark District in recognition of its unique history and rich resources.. This gem of Philadelphia Parks is hidden near the VA Hospital in University City. Veterans interned here served our country in conflicts since the Civil War.
The Red Cross provides support to our U.S. military community at every step of their careers — from the time a service member takes their oath to navigating life as a veteran and each event in between. You can find American Red Cross support of military communities across the globe at military hospitals, on installations locally and overseas and through local chapter offices in every state.
Last year, the Red Cross delivered 2,600 services for military members, veterans and their families in Southeastern Pennsylvania.Visit our website to learn more about our work.
Red Cross graphic – An American flag illustration with the words honoring service and dedication.
May is Military Appreciation Month, a time when we honor and recognize the service of the men and women in the military. It is a time to express gratitude for their service and sacrifice, and to show support for their families and loved ones. Not only do we pause on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice of those who gave their life while serving in the Armed forces, but the month also includes Armed Forces Day and Military Spouse Appreciation Day.
At the American Red Cross, we play a critical role in supporting service members, military families and veterans. Our support for the military dates to our founding in 1881 by Clara Barton, who provided aid to soldiers during the Civil War. Today, we continue to provide a wide range of services to military families, including emergency financial assistance, counseling and support for veterans.
This month, the American Red Cross highlights its commitment to serving the U.S. military community at every step – from the time a service member takes the oath to navigating life as a veteran.
One of our most important roles is to provide emergency communication services for military families during times of crisis. We help connect military families during emergencies such as natural disasters, family illnesses, or other crises. We provide training and support for military families to cope with the challenges of military life, including frequent moves, deployments and separations.
Our Red Cross staff and volunteers are involved in many initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of service members and veterans. This includes the reconnection workshops, which help service members and their families adjust to post-deployment life, our military hospital programs, which provide comfort and support to wounded service members and their families.
You can find American Red Cross support of military communities across the globe at military hospitals, on overseas installations and in communities across America. To celebrate Military Appreciation Month and learn more about how the American Red Cross supports active-duty service members, their families and caregivers, visit redcross.org/SAF.
