Red Cross Salute by JFK Airport Tower
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey lit the control tower at John F. Kennedy International Airport red through March 14 to mark Red Cross Month and recognize the disaster relief and lifesaving work of the American Red Cross.
Red lighting on the control tower at John F. Kennedy International Airport through March 14 is the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's tribute to Red Cross Month and the lifesaving work done by the American Red Cross. "New York is the crossroads of the world and when you think about how many people come through JFK each day, we are extremely humbled that the port authority extended this honor to us," said Dianne Auger, interim chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Greater New York Region.
President Franklin Roosevelt began the tradition of declaring March as Red Cross month in 1943, and every president since then has continued it, asking Americans to volunteer, make a financial contribution, or donate blood.
"The New York and New Jersey region has seen more than its share of tragedy and disasters, and we at the port authority have shared those unfortunate events," said port authority Chairman David Samson. "It is comforting to know that the Red Cross continues to assist our community during times of need."
The Greater New York Red Cross responds to nearly 3,000 emergencies annually in New York City, Long Island, the Lower Hudson Valley and Greenwich, Conn. Last year's responses included flooding caused by Hurricane Irene; a plane crash in Armonk, N.Y.; and multiple floods along the Hudson River. Most of the responses are to home fires, Auger said.
"The port authority is pleased to light JFK red for the American Red Cross," said port authority Executive Director Pat Foye. "Whether it's responding to communities in need in the wake of a large-scale disaster or assisting families who have lost their homes to fire, the Red Cross is to be commended for the generosity of its volunteers and staff who give countless hours to those in need. We are pleased to honor its long and proud history of public service."