World Red Cross Day | Purpose, History, Facts

 World Red Cross Day

Volunteers of Croce Rossa Italiana (Italian Red Cross) de-brief after giving assistance to homeless people in central Milan, Italy on October 7, 2022. October 10th marks World Homeless Day(Getty)

World Red Cross Day is commemorated annually on May 8th in honor of Henry Dunant, who founded the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). And the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. This day is also recognized as World Red Crescent Day, as the Red Crescent symbol is used by several Muslim countries that are part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a humanitarian organization that offers assistance to individuals affected by disasters, armed conflicts, and other emergencies. The movement consists of the ICRC, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

A volunteer of Croce Rossa Italiana (Italian Red Cross) gives assistance to a homeless man central in Milan, Italy on October 7, 2022(Getty)

Events and activities are organized worldwide on World Red Cross Day to raise awareness about the work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent and to honor the volunteers and staff who devote their time and effort to aid those in need. The day also provides an opportunity to promote the values of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality that form the foundation of the movemICRC

What is the motto of Red Cross Day?

On May 8th of each year, we observe International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, which bears the motto "Together for Humanity." This occasion marks the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, who established the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and was born on May 8th, 1828. The purpose of this day is to increase awareness about the humanitarian initiatives undertaken by the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies globally, and to acknowledge the dedication of volunteers who tirelessly offer support to those in distress.

Why do we celebrate World Red Cross Day?

Every year on May 8th, the world celebrates World Red Cross Day in honor of Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the first Nobel Peace Prize recipient. The Red Cross is a global humanitarian organization that provides assistance to people affected by various emergencies, including natural disasters and armed conflicts, and is renowned for its impartiality, neutrality, and independence in providing aid.

Volunteers of Croce Rossa Italiana (Italian Red Cross) give assistance to a homeless man in central Milan, Italy on October 7, 2022.(Getty)

World Red Cross Day is a crucial occasion to acknowledge the crucial role played by the Red Cross in delivering humanitarian services worldwide. It is an opportunity to pay tribute to the volunteers and personnel who work tirelessly to assist those in need and to increase awareness about the importance of humanitarian work.

Each year, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement selects a theme for the World Red Cross Day celebration. In 2021, the theme "Together we are unstoppable" emphasized the power of collective action in promoting positive change worldwide.

Who is the founder of Red Cross?

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum (ICRC). Henry Dunant writing(Getty)

Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman, is credited as the founder of the Red Cross. He was deeply moved by the suffering of wounded soldiers after witnessing the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino in Italy in 1859. To provide aid to the wounded soldiers, Dunant organized local civilians, disregarding which side the soldiers fought for. This experience prompted him to write "A Memory of Solferino," advocating for the creation of national volunteer relief organizations to assist during times of war.

Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross.(Getty)

Dunant's advocacy efforts eventually led to the establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1863, which aimed to provide impartial assistance to wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Today, the Red Cross movement has expanded into a global network of national organizations that offer humanitarian aid and assistance during times of war and disaster.

Purpose of world red cross day

Every year on May 8th, the world celebrates World Red Cross Day in honor of Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the first Nobel Peace Prize laureate. This day aims to increase awareness of the humanitarian work carried out by Red Cross and Red Crescent societies worldwide, recognizing the invaluable contributions of the millions of volunteers and staff who tirelessly work to mitigate human suffering caused by disasters, conflicts, and health emergencies.

World Red Cross Day is a timely reminder of the fundamental principles that guide the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which include humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. These principles are the foundation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies' work in preventing and alleviating human suffering, and protecting the lives and dignity of the world's most vulnerable people.

World Red Cross Day speech

Dear friends,

Today we gather to commemorate World Red Cross Day, a day to celebrate the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and to honor the humanitarian work carried out by its volunteers around the world.

This year's theme, "Together for Humanity," highlights the importance of working together to build a more resilient and sustainable future for all. It recognizes the collective efforts of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, as well as the countless individuals and organizations who work tirelessly to alleviate human suffering and promote human dignity.

The past year has been a challenging one, with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting every corner of the globe. Throughout this crisis, the Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers have been at the forefront, providing essential services to the most vulnerable members of our communities. They have worked tirelessly to provide health care, distribute essential supplies, and offer emotional support to those in need.

Their selfless dedication to humanity inspires us all to be better people and to do more for those around us. The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement teaches us that even in times of crisis, we can come together as a global community to help those who need it most.

As we celebrate World Red Cross Day, let us renew our commitment to the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Let us work together to promote peace, alleviate suffering, and build a more just and equitable world for all.

Thank you to all the volunteers and staff of the Red Cross and Red Crescent who work tirelessly to make a positive difference in the world. Your dedication and service to humanity are truly appreciated and recognized.

Happy World Red Cross Day to everyone!

History of Red Cross day

Red Cross Day, which is also referred to as World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, is celebrated on May 8th annually. It is a day to recognize and honor the values of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including impartiality, humanity, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

In 1934, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) proposed the idea of commemorating Red Cross Day. The first observance was on May 8th, 1948, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient.

Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman, witnessed the suffering and casualties of the Battle of Solferino in Italy in 1859. He was deeply moved by the situation of wounded soldiers left to die on the battlefield, and organized locals to care for them without regard for their side. His book, "A Memory of Solferino," was instrumental in establishing the Red Cross in 1863 and the first Geneva Convention in 1864.

Red Cross Day is celebrated by various National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement worldwide, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which coordinates humanitarian efforts in times of crisis and disaster.

The day is marked with events, ceremonies, and activities aimed at raising awareness of the importance of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement's work. This includes providing aid and support to those affected by conflicts and natural disasters, promoting hygiene and health, assisting vulnerable communities, and advocating for human dignity and rights