Fraternity-Testvériség, 1952 (30. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1952-02-01 / 2. szám

4

testvériség

csupán annyit kívánunk, hogy a közgyűlés elé egy olyan négy esztendőnek jelentése kerül, melyhez hasonló eredményű még kevés volt egyesületünk történetében. Számadatokról még korai volna Írni, de ha az uj Kossuth Ház megszerzése és a Bethlen Otthon uj szárnyának megépítésére hivatkozunk, ezek magukban is olyan tények, melyek hatalmas lendületét jelzik fejlődésünknek.

Borshy Kerekes György titkár.

“NEEDLESS DEATHS CAN BE PREVENTED” ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

By Richard P. Swigart

Administrator, Blood Donors Program of the American Red Cross

(Philadelphia, Pa., January 27, 1952)

I am deeply honored to represent the American Red Cross at this fine, enthusiastic meeting of the American Hungarian Federation honoring Captain Swift. You are, indeed, to be warmly congratulated for having developed this nationwide campaign — blood for freedom. This demonstrates your patriotism, and sets a fine example for the American people. I sincerely hope that many other nationality and ethnic groups will respond to your splendid leadership.

Have you ever sat at the bedside of a loved one, watching life ebb slowly away — knowing that a blood transfusion could save his life — knowing that no blood was available — until it was too late. Thousands of people have endured this frustrating, needless experience. These thousands have sensed the emptiness, the futility — would have given their own blood — but that was not always possible. ' A father and mother sit by the bedside of a child. A husband watches his wife. A soldier beside his buddy somewhere in Korea — all dying for the lack of blood. These needless deaths can be prevented, if the American people will give their blood generously, through the American Red Cross, to those who need it so desperately.

There is tremendous, vital need for blood, both for civilians, our families, neighbors and friends — and for our men in the Armed Forces. Someone must give a pint of blood every seven seconds, day and night, if we are to collect the blood needed for the Armed Forces alone. 300,000 pints of blood a month for our armies and add 125,000 more, per month, for civilians. This can be done! This will be done!

It it symbolic that you, who are members pf the American Hungarian Federation, would

launch a nation-wide campaign. Blood for freedom — at this time. It is fitting that this supreme effort on the part of Hungarian Americans should be dedicated to Louis Kossuth, whose lofty, democratic ideals, for over a hundred years, have been a beacon for those people who are floundering on the seas of uncertainty. His political beliefs, his accomplishments have given faith and courage to peoples who are living in the despair of a communistic regime. I would like to recall for you that Kossuth’s political creed was the famous “Nil de Nobis Sine Nobis.” He never tired of repeating this basic principle. When he referred to his nation as “us”, he meant the modern nation state, resting on the participation of all citizens and dedicated to the cause of freedom. Those who strive for freedom — he said — are brothers, wherever they be. Those who strive for freedom are brothers, wherever they be.

When our military leaders are called upon to protect our freedom, a tremendous defense program is activated. Our freedom is insured by men and guns and ships and supplies. Each man who becomes a part of this protective mechanism must be well equipped with guns, uniforms, ammunition, food, medical supplies. All but one of these essential items can be manufactured or produced. That one is blood, and blood can be found only in our bodies. It cannot be manufactured. Those who strive for freedom are brothers, wherever they be. You and I can protect our freedom by giving blood so that our brothers might live.

The surgeon general of the Army has said, that nine pints of blood are required to keep each wonded man alive. This is used as whole blood and blood plasma. Whole blood is perishable and can be preserved only under refrigerated conditions for 21 days. It must be handled carefully. On the other hand, plasma, the liquid part of the blood after the red cells are removed, is a stable material. It is dried. It can be shipped easily. It is used by medical corpsmen in the front lines of battle. It can be transfused easily. After wounded men are given plasma, they are evacuated by helicopter to the rear lines and are given whole blood at base hospitals. Plasma saves as many lives as whole blood. Without plasma, men might die before they could receive a transfusion of whole blood.

People sometimes think that blood is used in Korea alone. It is true that most of the whole blood and much of the plasma has been used there, but supplies of plasma go with our men wherever they are stationed — in all parts of the world. The Department of Defense has asked for a large reserve of plasma — enough to meet any emergency. Considering the chaotic condition of the world today, it is not incon