NATIONAL AMERICAN RED CROSS FOUNDER’S DAY
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NATIONAL AMERICAN RED CROSS FOUNDER'S DAY
On May 21, National American Red Cross Founder's Day marks the anniversary of the American Red Cross.
#AmericanRedCrossFoundersDay
Like many women during the American Civil War, Clara Barton (1821-1912) rolled up her sleeves, bandaging, and nursing wounded soldiers. Following the war in 1869, she traveled to Europe and for several years volunteered her time working with the International Red Cross during the Franco-Prussian War. Upon returning to the United States, she was determined to bring the Red Cross to America.
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides assistance in the United States. It is the designated affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Headquartered in Washington D.C., the American Red Cross is governed by volunteers. In addition to domestic disaster relief, the American Red Cross also offers services in five other areas:
Community services to help the needy
Communications services and comfort for military members and their families
The collection, processing, and distribution of blood and blood products
Educational programs on preparedness, health, and safety
International relief and development programs
HOW TO OBSERVE AMERICAN RED CROSS FOUNDER'S DAY
Learn more about the American Red Cross and discover local Red Cross history and its impact in your community. Following are a few sites to help you get started:
A Story of the Red Cross by Clara Barton
Clara Barton by Elizabeth Brown Pryor
Blood, Sweat, and Tears: An Oral History of the American Red Cross by Michele Turk
Learn about Clara Barton at www.redcross.org/.
Use #AmericanRedCrossFoundersDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL AMERICAN RED CROSS FOUNDER'S DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this Red Cross holiday.