Retrace the history of Red Cross it means going back in time to the unification of Italy, approx. The foundation took place on 15 June 1864. At the time, however, the chosen name was Italian Association for Aid to the Wounded and Sick in War.
Castiglioni, a man who respected and honored the Hippocratic Oath, leaving a mark in the history of our country, found an agreement with the associations born in Europe thanks to the work of Henry Dunant, which had given birth to the international organization in Geneva.
The basic idea was to create a team of volunteer nurses. A group of professionals able to support the work of military health in various ways, whose task was nothing short of onerous.
A very specific aim, considering the particular historical period, which has then definitely expanded in the course of more than a century of history. Who is responsible for the foundation of the Red Cross? The name to be imprinted in one's memory is that of the doctor Cesare Castiglioni, who was also its first president.
Dunant had an epiphany in Italy, having personally witnessed the disastrous outcome of the battle of Solferino and San Martino of 1859. A carnage also aggravated by the disorganization of aid.
Italian Red Cross, the historical phases
In 1866, two years after its foundation, military rules were placed on the members of what were renamed "Rescue Squadrons". These went into action for the first time in the same year, rescuing soldiers injured during the Third War of Independence.
A historic event, considering the support received from France and Switzerland. The need to preserve human life prevailed. For the first time, therefore, two nations not involved in a conflict decided to commit themselves to rescuing wounded soldiers from neighboring countries.
The use was enormous during the World War I. About 12 thousand men were deployed in more than 200 field units. A number dropped to 8 thousand due to the Second World War. In this case, however, almost as many Volunteer Nurses joined.
Just as it received contributions from France and Switzerland, in the same way the Italian Red Cross lent itself to rescuing wounded soldiers after World War II. From Korea in the 50s to Congo in the 60s.
The 7 principles
Although the conflicts represent a striking example, the intervention of the Italian Red Cross is not reduced to such circumstances. Various assistance was provided in the event of public calamities.
Just think of the earthquake of Casamicciola, disastrous, from 1883. A first piece of a much larger and more complex mosaic. Since then, the CRI has always been at the forefront in such cases. From the Messina earthquake of 1908 to the flood of the Arno in 1966, to name two famous examples.
Decade after decade, there has been a real evolution of the Italian Red Cross, which today boasts more than 160 thousand volunteers. A body that finds space in more than 1400 offices scattered throughout the national territory.
Looking at the international movement, the Red Cross has become the largest humanitarian organization in the world. Even today we operate in the world following sects fundamental principles. These do not have their roots in 1800. They have been set in a much more recent period, 1965:
- Humanity
- Impartiality
- Neutrality
- Independence
- Unit
- Universality
- Volunteering
The story is very interesting. Much thanks.