So you watched the results last night, didn’t you? And the speeches? I did and, without getting political, I wanted to share the one thing that jumped out at me.

Here’s the snippet from Barack Obama’s acceptance speech:

“This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.

It can’t happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.”

This, to me, is what the American Red Cross is all about; a spirit of service, neighbors helping neighbors. Tom Brokaw mentioned a “re-enlistment of citizenship,” with people being drawn to serve their country.

This makes me wonder what the next four years hold for our organization. Will we see increased volunteerism? More donations when disaster strikes?

If you’re inspired into action — into working on behalf of your country, into helping your fellow Americans, into embracing this new spirit of service, I urge you to consider volunteering with us. We may not be a government agency, but being involved with the American Red Cross is just about as patriotic as you can get.

AFP/Stan Honda