World Red Cross Day

What Is World Red Cross Day?

May 8th is "World Red Cross Day." It marks the birthday of Henry Dunant (born May 8, 1828), founder of the Red Cross, who shared the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901 with Frédéric Passy. The day was decided in 1948 by the Board of Governors of the League of Red Cross Societies (today's International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies). It's a day to understand the humanitarian work the Red Cross carries out around the world and to spread its core principles.

Background

In 1859, Swiss businessman Henry Dunant witnessed countless wounded soldiers left without care at Solferino, a fierce battlefield of the Italian wars of unification. His 1862 book, "A Memory of Solferino," based on that experience, led to the birth of the Red Cross. The Red Cross movement was founded to help people suffering from war and disasters. Guided by the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence, it's an international organization that provides aid across borders and religions. World Red Cross Day was established to honor the volunteers and staff who sustain this work and to spread the Red Cross's core values.

The Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross Movement

• Humanity: To help those who are suffering and protect human dignity.
• Impartiality: To provide aid regardless of race, religion, or nationality.
• Neutrality: To remain trusted by all sides by not taking part in conflicts.
• Independence: To operate independently from political or governmental influence.
• Voluntary service: Activities based on a spirit of volunteerism.
• Unity: Each country has only one Red Cross or Red Crescent society.
• Universality: Red Cross and Red Crescent societies worldwide work together.

Main Activities of the Red Cross

• Disaster relief operations
• Medical care, nursing, and blood donation programs
• International humanitarian aid
• First aid and disaster preparedness education
• Humanitarian assistance in conflict zones

Trivia About World Red Cross Day

• The Red Cross symbol is said to be the Swiss flag with its colors reversed, in tribute to the founder's home country.
• In Islamic countries, the "Red Crescent" symbol is used instead.
• Henry Dunant proposed the Red Cross movement after working with local villagers to care for wounded soldiers at Solferino.
• The Japanese Red Cross Society began as the "Hakuaisha" (Philanthropic Society), founded by Sano Tsunetami and others in 1877 during the Satsuma Rebellion to care for the wounded on both sides. It took its current name in 1887.
• In Japan, landmarks and buildings are sometimes lit up in red for World Red Cross Day.

Ways to Spend World Red Cross Day

• Learn more about the work of the Red Cross.
• Participate in a blood donation drive.
• Learn about disaster preparedness and first aid.
• Take part in fundraising or volunteer activities.

May 8th: A Day to Reflect on the Importance of Humanitarian Aid

World Red Cross Day is a chance to reflect on the spirit of "humanity" at the heart of the Red Cross. It's an opportunity to think about the people around the world facing hardship, and to consider what each of us can do to help.