May 21, 1881 — Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross
It’s hard to imagine the world without the American Red Cross — an organization that “prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors”. And on May 21, 1881, Clara Barton founded the organization after being inspired by similar European systems. At the time of founding the organization, she was 60 years old and continued to run the American Red Cross for another 23 years!
The American Red Cross is part of the Global Red Cross Network, which is the largest volunteer network in the world! Their fundamental principles are humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. From training services to giving blood, the American Red Cross is dedicated to helping those who need it through service. The organization has also served the American armed forces in their various needs including services for veterans and sending supplies to locations needed overseas.
In Clara Barton’s days, there were many occupations women weren’t allowed to have. And since she wanted to serve in some way, she volunteered to take care of soldiers who needed her help on the front lines of war.
“I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them.”
This dedication to helping others translated into her creation of the American Red Cross. When there’s an international or domestic disaster, they are often called upon to help provide volunteers, much-needed blood, and other resources.
Today, over 135 years later, the American Red Cross is still dedicated to helping those in need. You can find out more about the work of the American Red Cross and how to support them on their website.
