May 8 is World Red Cross Red Crescent Day!

On May 8, the American Red Cross will join with the other 185 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies from around the globe to celebrate World Red Cross Red Crescent Day.

This day marks the birth of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement's founder. Motivated by his experiences during the Battle of Solferino in 1859, Henry Dunant began to advocate for the humane treatment of the sick and wounded during wartime. Today, 150 years after the conflict, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is comprised of more than 97 million staff, volunteers and members and assists more than 277 million people worldwide.

This year's theme, in honor of Henry Dunant's vision, is Sister Societies Working Together. The first World Red Cross Red Crescent Day was celebrated in 1948.