Henry Dunant – Founder of Red Cross – Significance of June 24

Henry Dunant – Founder of Red Cross – Significance of June 24

24 June : On this day, in 1859, Henry Dunant witnessed a battle that would lead to the founding of the Red Cross.

After the Battle of Solferino on 24 June 1859, more than 40000 soldiers on both sides died or were left wounded on the field. Dunant was shocked by the aftermath and began mobilizing the local people into action, setting up crude infirmaries in churches, monasteries and makeshift tents. All the wounded soldiers, regardless of which side they were fighting on, were given care. “Tutti fratelli”– they are all our brothers, said the women who helped Dunant at Solferino.

His experiences from witnessing the battle and the relief efforts he had organised inspired him to write ‘A Memory of Solferino’ (1862), where he launched his plan: in times of peace, all nations should establish voluntary relief societies to aid sick and wounded soldiers during times of war. The objective was that all soldiers – whether friend or foe – should receive medical care.

Henry Dunant was awarded the very first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.