American Red Cross Founder's Day

American Red Cross Founders Day is a day to show our gratitude for the place where our world's helpers started and how far they have come.

140 years ago, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross and it has been a huge source of aid ever since National American Red Cross Foundation Day is celebrated in her honor as well as history organization and is celebrated every year on May 21st. We don't know who founded this day, but we all want to celebrate this special event.

History of American Red Cross Founder's Day

The American Red Cross, also known as the National Red Cross of the United States, is a humanitarian organization that coordinates disaster relief operations throughout the United States.

As part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the American Red Cross is a chapter or national society of the United States in global humanitarian aid efforts. Clarissa Harlowe Barton, better known as Clara, founded the American Red Cross, which is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and is run by volunteers.

Like most other women of the American Civil War, Clara Barton cared for the wounded on the battlefield, earning the nickname 'Battle Angel'. After the ending war, Barton moved to Europe and volunteered with the International Red Cross during the Franco-Prussian War from 1870 to 1871. When she returned home to the United States, she was determined that her country would join the global Red Cross network. She appealed to her friends and influencers such as the American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer and statesman Frederick Douglass and founded the American Red Cross. She held the role of president of the organization until her retirement.

Their Principles

• Humanity - Red Cross was established and aimed to bring assistance in both international and national area and prevent and alleviate human from suffering anywhere.
• Equity - no discrimination in nationality, race, religious beliefs, class, or political opinions.
• Neutrality - Red Cross will not participate in controversies of political, racial, religious, and ideological nature as well.
• Independence - Red Cross is independent. Every country must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able to act in accordance with Red Cross principles at all times.
• Voluntary Service – The movement of voluntary relief is not prompted in any forms by desire for gain.
• Unity - There is only Red Cross. It must be open to all people and work humanitarian throughout its are.
• Universality - a worldwide institution with equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other.

What They Do

• Disaster Relief – Giving a help for all families and communities to recover from disasters.
• Lifesaving Blood – Organize blood donations
• Training and Certification – Plan health and safety courses for all members and companies.
• International Services - Providing aid and support programs around the world.
• Military Families - Supporting them and their families.

Some interesting truths about American Red Cross

• They provide 40% of the blood across America

According to the organization's website, the American Red Cross organizes about 500 blood drives a day, collecting about 36,000 units of red blood cells.

• They install smoke alarms in the house

According to their website, house fires are the most frequent disaster the Red Cross deals with, which is why they launched a campaign to reduce that disaster by installing free smoke alarms and train people about fire safety.

• Clara Barton is also a teacher!

She began teaching at the age of 17 and founded New Jersey's first free public school in 1852.

• The first women worked in the federal government

Clara Barton worked as a recording clerk at the United States Patent Office shortly before the outbreak of the Civil War.

• The American Red Cross has helped other countries

They deployed more than 40 disaster responders and allocated $23.3 million as Hurricane Dorian ravaged the Bahamas, as part of a global relief effort.

Some reasons American Red Cross Founder's Day for being important

• Find about how the American Red Cross works

Who doesn't remember the iconic images of Red Cross nurses assisting American civilians and soldiers during World War I? The American Red Cross has been an important part of our history for people, saving lives and assisting when disaster strikes in the United States. We are honored to have had the opportunity to learn more about how this organization came about and the driving force behind the American Red Cross, Clara Barton.

• Join and help our community

Learning about the Red Cross inspired us to get up and get involved. With various resources offered to encourage volunteering, the Red Cross website is a great place to start. Even if you can't volunteer at the Red Cross, can we recommend simply taking the time to think about how your skills can help someone, anyone? All it takes is the first step and you'll see how rewarding it can be to get involved.

• We learn how the Red Cross has influenced our history

Many World War I photographs feature Red Cross volunteers working alongside our brave soldiers. Even now, these volunteers have been deployed alongside the military for humanitarian relief. When we look back at America's history, we see how much worse America could have been without these brave men. We welcome any opportunity to learn more about them and their contributions.

Celebrating American Red Cross Founder's Day

• Learn more about the American Red Cross and the founder of the American Red Cross

It is a special reminder of the efforts of Clara Barton and of every Red Cross volunteer across America. Take the opportunity to learn more about National American Red Cross Founders Day, the great founder himself, and the organization's history in providing relief across the United States.

• Discover how the Red Cross has impacted your community

Has your community experienced a catastrophic event? Find out if the Red Cross has a hand in disaster relief and relief. To learn more about their impact through the ages, visit their website or read “A Story Of The Red Cross” by Clara Barton, “Clara Barton” by Elizabeth Brown Pryor or “Blood, Sweat and Tears” : An Oral History of the American Red Cross” by Michele Turk.

• Volunteer at the Red Cross

Red Cross volunteers perform special tasks to help the community every day, from organizing blood donations to sourcing disaster assistance from the community. Learn about the different ways you can contribute to the Red Cross on their website.