A Look Behind the Red ShieldPhoto/text by Renee Burrell
Sixth Judical Circuit Court Judge, the Honorable George W. Greer, spoke about judicial independence during the Salvation Army's Clearwater Advisory Board's Community Prayer Breakfast Wednesday. (l to r) Judge Greer, Dr. Bill Hayes (Chairman) and Major Dean Hinson (Commanding Officer). CLEARWATER -The Salvation Army's red shield is a highly recognizable symbol because The Army has been actively helping people so much and for so long. The Army is entrenched in our country's history. They have been assisting people physically and spiritually since William Booth founded them 130 years ago. Army volunteers were on the frontline in World Wars I and II and helped in the formation of the United Services Organization (USO), who operates service units to serve armed forces abroad. Did you know that movies with Army characters have included American cultural icons: Frank Sinatra; Marlon Brando; Clark Gable; Cary Grant; Mae West; and Joan Crawford? The Beatle's song, "Strawberry Fields Forever" is said to reference songwriter, John Lennon's, nostalgic nod to Strawberry Field, a Salvation Army orphanage near where he played as a child in Woolton, England. According to the Army, the phrase "on the wagon" was coined by men and women receiving the services of The Salvation Army. Founder Booth's daughter, Evangeline, drove a hay wagon through the streets of New York to encourage alcoholics on board for a ride back to The Salvation Army "on the wagon". We pass their thrift stores, hear their brass bands and bells during the holidays but don't hear in much detail about all they accomplish year 'round here and abroad in 112 other countries. The Army's social services programs assist children, the elderly, families, and those battling addiction. Their mission statement reads: "The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination." In Forbes magazine Peter Drucker said The Army is, "by far the most effective organization in the U.S." The numbers show how successfully the Army staff and volunteers meet their mission goals:
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