Mary Spencer Ferchaud Oral History
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Oral history interview with Mary Spencer Ferchaud
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Primarily documents the life of Mary Spencer Ferchaud and her service with the American Red Cross. Ferchaud recalls the disappointment of her family upon telling them she had joined the American Red Cross, as her younger brother had already joined the United States Air Force and had recently been sent overseas. She recounts the cute story of finding an injured, stray kitten while in England, nursing it back to health, and the positive impact it had on the patients in the hospital; as well as her memories of being scared after a German bomb struck the building across the street from where she lived, resulting in the deaths of a number of British Red Cross workers. Ferchaud recalls how it was emotionally difficult for her to see all the wounded and distressed soldiers being brought in for treatment, and her belief that as long as she did her job well and treated people with respect and dignity, then that was the best she could do. Ferchaud also shares her thoughts on patriotism, such as getting out in the world and doing something worthwhile and impactful, and her belief that it would be a good opportunity for young people today to join the American Red Cross and assist with disaster- or poverty-stricken areas of the world.
