The American Red Cross
Essay Preview: The American Red Cross
Report this essay
Carlos Hofmeister
January 10, 2005
Ms. Rivera/ Health Education Class
The American Red Cross
It is important to know how the Red Cross began. It was in June 1859 when Henry Dunant went to Solferino, north of Italy. He was a spectator of a small but bloody war. French and Italians had a battle against Austrians. There were more or less 40,000 victims. He was completely horrified with the scene. He interrupted his trip to help the hurt and organized volunteers to save lives.
When Henry Dunant went back to his home town Switzerland in 1862, he decided to talk and write about his horrible experience. He didnt want something similar to happen again. In February 1863, he made a commission with 5 people to help. In August 1964 it would become the International Red Cross.
Some years later, Clara Barton established a Red Cross society in America. She organized an association in Washington, D. C. on May 1881. The creation of this union
was made to help people in different difficult situations. Bartons group also began helping people from disasters. She was the president from the association until 1904.
The Red Cross has always been handled by volunteers and charities. It doesnt work as a business but as a humanitarian organization. It is impartial, neutral, independent, voluntary, united and universal.
The American Red Cross is always present at different situations, as a medium of communication and humanitarian services; they give comfort to soldiers and their families. The symbol of the Red Cross is a worldwide known. The Red Cross is a tribute to Switzerland for being the country where the idea was born. It is the symbol of the colors and sign of Switzerlands flag but inverted. The Turkey government began to
use the symbol with a half moon now used with the Islamic countries and in Israel with the Star of David.
It was before the world war one when the American Red Cross started new programs such as first aids, water safety and public health nursing. After the war they helped the veterans. The association also helped during World War II. Later on they made a blood program