Lots and lots of celebrations and difficult to keep the count and pace! But, with the Red Cross, it'll be hard to dismiss the celebration as just one of those many celebrations. This is evident from the very definition and goal of the Red Cross dating back to 1863 when it was inspired by Swiss Businessman Henry Dunant.
Of special note is the vision and mission of the Red Cross. It's large posture and intimidating achievements could lead you to make an "innocent" but wrong assumption that the Red Cross is government-sponsored. But no, it is in fact dependent on the good will of donors and volunteers-- men and women like you and I with a heart of gold!
It's all nicely captured in its vision to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies and her mission to always be there in times of need so that all people affected by disasters around the world might receive care, shelter and hope through encouraging disaster preparedness and providing life-saving products during disasters.
These lofty objectives have been hugely successful through an international network of donors and volunteers with its activities upheld by seven guiding principles namely:
*Humanity: absolute respect for human life
*Impartiality: rendering service untainted by race, creed, nationality, class or politics.
*Neutrality: takes no sides in the midst of hostilities
*Independence: work with national humanitarian services while maintaining independence.
*Voluntary service: not gain-motivated but voluntary service
*Unity: only one Red Cross per country and
*Universality: a worldwide organization where every national body shares equal responsibilities and enjoy equal rights.
Little wonder that the Red Cross is specially celebrated in March to call attention to its laudable programs, projects and activities. Despite being around for close to one and a half centuries it wasn't until 1943 that the Red Cross Month commenced with the Presidential declaration by Franklin D. Roosevelt-- President of the United States who issued the very first Red Cross Month proclamation. This is a cherished American tradition as the 2022 declaration has been issued by President Biden who also doubles as the honorary chairman of the global organization now spanning about 200 countries.
As the world celebrates the Red Cross month, folks all over the world are encouraged to join the Red Cross in their countries and to donate blood. The activities of the red cross month are to commemorate and renew commitment to the timeless ideals of its founder-- Clara Barton’s which entails caring one for another in hard times characterized by pain and uncertainty.
With the celebration of the Red Cross Month comes the memories of the achievements of the red cross including supporting those dating as far back as the American Spanish wars, and those affected by the Titanic and as contemporary as assisting folks affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are many ways to participate in the Red Cross Month. You can donate generously to the cause, you can learn life-saving skills, and you can donate blood.
Above all, you can volunteer for the Red Cross in your country as the Red Cross, red crescent and the red crystal.
Happy Red Cross Month celebrations!!!!
