So picture this you are in the final level of Halo, running through the battlefield; the stakes are high you have worked hours to get to this stage and you get shot. Your health level is low you run around frantically; out of the firing line and trying to find a health box; a little box with a Red Cross on it could save your life and the game.

Happy days, you finally find it; that amazing health box; it restores your health and you are ready to complete you mission; and go on to finish the game all thanks to the Red Cross. Now I understand games are unrealistic; however it holds the same meaning for the Red Cross in real life; the brave men and women who are there risking their lives to save others.

Who Started the Red Cross?

A man named Henry Dunant, Henry was a Swiss businessman and social activist. In 1859 he went on a business trip; to visit Napoleon III they were due to discuss difficulties in conducting business in Algeria; which was under the French Rule.

Henry went on his trip against the advice of his officials to the small town of Solferino in Northern Italy. Now Henry had arrived and was confronted with the Battle of Soferino; which was between the Italians and the Austrians, Napoleon’s army were there to help the Italians. He was watching real life scenes of a horror movie; people lying in the mud crying out for help; a blanket of dead soldiers covering the field. In that one day 38,000 soldiers lost their lives. As you can imagine a businessman seeing the truth of war with his own eyes; he was shocked and mortified by the aftermath of the battle.

It was from that point he changed his direction in life; he devoted his life to helping with the treatment of the wounded soldiers. Henry wanted to help ALL soldiers not just one side; his idea was to gain supporters to assist him in his cause to provide medical aid without discrimination.

The Beginning of The Red Cross

Henry returned to Geneva and began his mission of recruiting supporters for his cause; he started off with writing a book. This book was about what he had seen on the battle field in Northern Italy; the book is called “A Memory of Solferino”. Henry was convinced that this would be the best way to get his point across; to the people in the hope to gain their support. He also distributed the book to some of the most influential political and military leaders in Europe; expressing his idea of a neutral organization to help wounded soldiers on the battle field.  

After taking his campaign all across Europe Henry was invited to Geneva to discuss his idea; this meeting led to the first Geneva Convention; which in turn lead to a treaty. This treaty was passed that all wounded soldiers would be entitled to medical care; regardless of which side they were fighting for. The emblem of the Red Cross on a white background was introduced to the world; and to this day is known as The Red Cross. The main focus for the Red Cross was to protect human life and health; to show respect and reduce the suffering of ALL humans; regardless of their background, nationality, sex, religion, class or political opinion.

The Red Cross still helping people today!

The Red Cross became an extremely important part of the military campaigns; they were able to help millions of people throughout the various wars. These days the Red Cross has approx. 97 million volunteers, members of staff from all over the world. They have many different branches all over the world. One close to home here in Australia is on the Gold Coast QLD during Schoolies week; they have a team of volunteers called the Red Frogs who look out for Schoolies; making sure they get home safe and handing out Red Frogs.

We have Henrys passion and dedication to thank for the fantastic fountain The Red Cross; he was awarded the first ever Nobel Peace Prize in 1901. Upon his death in 1910 his last words were “Where has the humanity gone” very strong words; from someone who did so much good for the world. He successfully started a foundation that is still helping people today. We all need to take a step back and listen to the words of a great man; be kind to one another regardless of where we came from or what we believe in.  

Check out some completely random; yet interesting facts about Switzerland and The Swiss Military.