World Red Cross Day: Themes, History, Importance, Slogans

World Red Cross Day, also known as Red Crescent Day, is traditionally celebrated on the 08 May every year. This day is observed to recognize the importance of and pay tribute to the volunteers of the Red Cross for their unprecedented service to humanity. Red Cross and its affiliate organizations are one of the largest group that carries humanitarian activities around the globe.

Why is Red Cross Day Celebrated?

8th May is the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founding father of the Red Cross and hence has been chosen to celebrate the World Red Cross Day. The World Red Cross or Red Crescent Day is being celebrated since 1948. However, the World Red Cross Day is not limited to the remembrance of its founder. It is celebrated to show appreciation to the volunteers who put their efforts into making the world a better place.
The huge network of the Red Cross works continuously and tirelessly to help civilians in war zones, women, children, migrants, detainees, refugees, internally displaced people, differently-abled people and those seeking asylum.

Red Cross is the only organization to win Noble Prize for Peace not once but thrice. The organization got the Noble Peace Prize in 1917, 1944 and 1963 due to its humanitarian works. Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross too was awarded the Noble Peace Prize in 1901 for his remarkable contribution to humanitarian causes. He was the one who started the global movement that is now called the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

What is the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement?

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, commonly known as Red Cross, is a global network of more than 80 million people working for humanitarian causes. The network helps those facing disaster, conflict, health and social problems all around the world. They are also involved in promoting humanitarian laws and principles and protecting human rights for all.

The Volunteers of the movement put their life at risk to protect others. They work and deliver aid to the needy based on their seven fundamental principles – humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

World Red Cross Day Themes

2020 – #KeepClapping

Keeping in view the contribution of the volunteers of the Red Cross in dealing with the global COVID-19 pandemic the theme for 2020 was #KeepClapping for the volunteers, staff and everyone responding to COVID-19.

2019 – #Love

The theme was given to celebrate the strength and reach of the global network of the Red Cross. The call to action given to people was – What do you #Love about Red Cross and Red Crescent?

2018 – Memorable Smiles from Worldwide

The 2018 World Red Cross Day theme focused on bringing memorable smiles to the face of everyone, everywhere. People were encouraged by volunteers to help those in need and feel the warmth of those smiles.

2017 – Much Less Recognized Red Cross Tales

The 2017 theme focused on bringing lesser-known stories of the Red Cross to people’s attention and celebrate the contribution of the millions of Red Cross volunteers. The theme recognized the importance of every helpful gesture.

2016 – All Over the Place for Each Individual

The 2016 World Red Cross Day theme was specifically focused on encouraging junior and youth volunteers all around the world.

This World Red Cross Day let’s move “with humanity, towards peace”.