World Red Cross Day is an international day that is dedicated to alleviating human suffering, upholding human dignity, protecting life, and preventing emergencies and natural disasters such as flood, epidemics, and earthquakes. The fundamental principles recognized during World Red Cross Day are impartiality, humanity, independence, neutrality, voluntary, universality, and unity. All components of Red Cross organizations uphold and respect these principles.
Every year May 8 is celebrated as World Red Cross Day to honor the International Red Cross Crescent Movement founder Henry Dunant, who was born on this day in 1828. National Societies that are affiliates to ICRC celebrates the World Red Cross Day in their countries to raise the need of protecting life. This event highlights international services such as the reunion of separated family members through the Red Cross. All attendees of this even learn about the founder of the Red Cross, Henry Dunant, and are motivated and encouraged to take part in life saving activities.
During World Red Cross Day local heroes that have made an invaluable impact on life protection are recognized in various categories such as law enforcement, military, fire and rescue, community champion, and humanitarian awards. Various organizations are recognized based on the effort in life protection. Local communities are inspired to take part in voluntary activities to protect human beings and animals. Various Red Cross movements visit people affected by natural disasters or armed conflicts.
This celebration is also marked by visiting detainees to show them that, regardless of the reasons of their incarceration, they are still treated with dignity in line with the international norms. The main message delivered during World Red Cross Day is treat all people with hospitality, dignity and humanity.
World Red Cross Day is also celebrated through blood donation. People are encouraged to donate blood to save the lives of people in need of blood. This is another way in which people show humanity. Red Cross officials assemble in various local towns or schools and encourage locals to voluntarily donate blood.
In addition, World Red Cross Day is also celebrated through fund raising and donations. Local natives, societies, non-governmental organizations, companies, and many other types of organizations are encouraged to make their contribution to a certain account to raise money for assisting a dying life. Every person is encouraged to contribute money based on their capacity. The money is used to pay health bills of needy patients and providing food to people affected by natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes. Religious organizations are taking part in World Red Cross Day by visiting sick people and making contributions.
