The Red Cross, formed by Clara Barton in 1881, played a pivotal role in the war effort. The organization received a Congressional charter in 1900 and has continued since to give relief to the American military and in cases of national disaster. World War I marked massive growth in the organization. By the end of the war, 20 percent of Minnesotans were members.Ezra Curry, who served with the Norton-Harjes Volunteer Motor Ambulance Corps, picked up this flag and brought it home with him to Minnesota. Encountering Red Cross volunteers was commonplace for those serving in France. By 1919, the Red Cross had established 551 stations, providing many services.