World Red Cross Day 2024: Get to know the date, history, significance and quotes

By observing World Red Cross Day, individuals and communities can show their support for the Red Cross’s tireless efforts to alleviate suffering and promote compassion, solidarity, and humanity during times of great need.

World Red Cross Day 2024: History and Theme

World Red Cross Day originates from the significant events following World War I, where the Red Cross made significant contributions to fostering peace. The 15th International Conference in Tokyo in 1934 presented the Red Cross Truce Report, outlining principles to protect wounded soldiers during conflicts.

However, it was implemented during World War II in 1946. In 1948, the Board of Governors of the League of Red Cross Societies advocated commemorating Henry Dunant’s birth anniversary as the founder of the Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Since then, World Red Cross Day has been observed annually on May 8. This year, it will be observed on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. The theme announced for World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day in 2024 is “I give with joy, and the joy I give is a reward.”

It highlights the inherent rewards and personal fulfilment that come from engaging in humanitarian work and supporting the Red Cross’s mission, thereby, encouraging individuals to embrace the spirit of charity with generosity, empathy, and selflessness that lies at the heart of the Red Cross’s humanitarian efforts.

World Red Cross Day 2024: Significance and Celebrations

World Red Cross Day holds immense significance in the realm of human rights. The non-profit organisation’s motto, “Per Humanitatem ad Pacem,” translates to “With humanity, towards peace,” which reflects their message of promoting world peace.

The Red Cross plays a crucial role in conflict zones and regions affected by natural disasters and the day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the organisation’s principles, mission, and activities. It reminds us of the importance of humanity, compassion, and solidarity during times of crisis.

Celebrating World Red Cross Day is an excellent way for individuals and communities to show their support for the Red Cross’s crucial work in providing humanitarian assistance and promoting humanitarian values worldwide.

Many national and local Red Cross chapters commemorate World Red Cross Day by organising special events and activities such as blood donation drives, first aid training sessions, fundraisers, and public awareness campaigns, and by recognising outstanding volunteers and humanitarian achievements of individuals and organisations.

World Red Cross Day 2024: Quotes

Here are some inspiring quotes that resonate with the spirit and mission of the Red Cross, suitable for World Red Cross Day:

1. The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing. – Albert Einstein
2. Everyone can be great because everyone can serve. – Martin Luther King Jr.
3. We are more powerful when we empower each other. – Sheryl Sandberg
4. To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; that is to have succeeded. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
5. The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others. – Albert Schweitzer
6. There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up. – John Holmes
7. Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future. – Nelson Mandela
8. Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth. – Muhammad Ali
9. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. – Amelia Earhart
10. You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you. – John Bunyan

These quotes can be shared to inspire and reflect on the values of humanitarian service and dedication embodied by the Red Cross.