American Red Cross of Central Florida


	Three beautiful Tiffany windows are located in the elegant Board of Governors Hall at American Red Cross national headquarters in Washington, D.C. They are reputed to be the largest surviving suite of Tiffany windows still in their original location (except for those in churches). The Left Tiffany Window was funded by the Women's Relief Corps of the North. It shows the legendary Saint Filomena, famed for her healing powers, surrounded by women symbolizing different virtues such as hope, mercy, faith, and charity. These virtues are an integral part of the symbolism of the national headquarters building , which was conceived as a "Memorial to the Heroic Women of the Civil War." The first woman pictured in the window carries a shield emblazoned with the Red Cross emblem. Also included in the scene are a mother holding her child and a maiden carrying the Red Cross banner. The Central Tiffany Window, a joint gift from the Women's Relief Corps of the North and the United Daughters of the Confederacy, symbolizes the healing of a formerly divided nation. It portrays an army of gallant knights in armor, mounted on horses and carrying spears. The central figure, astride a white horse bedecked with jeweled trappings, carries a large flag with the Red Cross emblem. An injured warrior lies at the horse's feet and receives food and aid from a compassionate comrade. This scene underscores the Red Cross commitment to provide assistance on the battlefield. The Right Tiffany Window, funded by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, features Una from Edmund Spenser's "Faerie Queene," who represents truth and fortitude. Una's apron is filled with roses--symbols of good deeds. She is accompanied by a maiden holding a cross and another young woman who carries the lamp of wisdom. Behind her are maidens with banners symbolizing helpful love and the Red Cross. Kneeling in front of Una is a maiden with a shield emblazoned with the Red Cross emblem. At the bottom right of this window appears the hallmark "Tiffany Studios, NY l9l7."