May 8 is World Red Cross and Red Crescent day, the annual celebration of the practices of the Red Cross movement.
The idea began to encourage a worldwide contribution to peace and was introduced just after World War I. The mission of the American Red Cross is summed up in their seven principals: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality.
Red Cross volunteers Lil Doody and Fran Walker console Davrion Hartfield, a resident of McClain, MS as they look out on flooded homes.
Photo by Shannon Toombs/ American Red Cross
The first Red Cross Day was celebrated on May 8, 1948.
“The International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement makes up one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world, with involvement in almost every country,” says Ivy Williams, Chief Executive for the Red Cross of Mississippi. “The Red Cross of Mississippi is proud to deliver its global mission to alleviate human suffering both at home in our state and elsewhere when the call arises.”
This year the American Red Cross will celebrate 150 years of humanitarian work and the global impact of the Red Cross mission. A celebration party will be hosted at the National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday night.
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