The Red Cross Society is a globally recognized and respected organization dedicated to helping people in need during times of crisis. It’s a massive group that isn’t affiliated with any particular religion, politics, or sect. Instead, it’s driven by volunteers who want to assist anyone, no matter where they’re from or what they believe in.
It all began in 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland. The person credited with starting this movement is Jean Henry Dunant, who was actually a businessman. But his life changed when he stumbled upon the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino on June 24, 1859. This battle was between the French and Austrian armies, and the sight of so many wounded soldiers deeply affected Dunant.
Rather than continuing with his business, Dunant chose to help these wounded soldiers. He organized relief efforts with the help of locals from nearby villages. His experiences led him to write a book called “A Memory of Solferino” in 1862, which outlined his ideas for providing aid during wartime. This book sparked the first Geneva Conference on October 26, 1863.
At this conference, representatives from various countries came together to discuss and implement Dunant’s proposals. This laid the groundwork for what would become the Red Cross Society, an organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid without discrimination based on nationality, race, or religion. Jean Henry Dunant’s efforts eventually earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.