GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (June 12, 2025) – The American Red Cross, together with local historian Joe Zeni, will host a special ceremony on Saturday, June 14, to honor the heroic legacy of WWI Red Crosser Harold Aupperle, a Grand Junction native whose courageous actions helped save a young Serbian boy.

Harold Aupperle served overseas with the Red Cross during WWI and played a pivotal role in helping Cedo Gudiric, a Serbian child, escape post-war turmoil. Tragically, Harold passed away overseas and was never formally recognized for his bravery until recently.

Thanks to the dedicated research of historian Joe Zeni, Harold's story was brought to light in a published book. In 2019, a ceremony was held to inscribe Harold's name on an obelisk at the Orchard Mesa Cemetery and a certificate was presented to Zeni through the Red Cross "Our Legacy Continues" program. 

Now in a powerful continuation of that tribute, Cedo's son, Slavoljub Gudiric, will travel from Serbia to Grand Junction to honor the man his family credits with saving their lives.

Schedule of Events – Saturday, June 14, 2025 

• 10:00 a.m. - Ceremony at Orchard Mesa Cemetery (Veterans section): Wreath-laying at Harold Aupperle’s obelisk, city proclamation and presentation of Red Cross Salute to Service Award commemorating his service.  
• 11:00 a.m. - Flag exchange at Harold’s Gravesite (100 yards east of obelisk): A symbolic exchange of U.S. and Serbian flags in honor of Flag day, representing the enduring friendship between the two nations and the legacy of Harold and Cedo. 

Media Opportunity

The media is invited to attend and celebrate Harold’s legacy. There will be interview opportunities with the Red Cross spokesperson and historian Joe Zeni as well as opportunity for photos and B-roll. Please RSVP to Christie Caster – christie.caster@redcross.org

About the American Red Cross:  

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.