Kankakee Times

In a May 8 Facebook post, Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) recognized World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. 

According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies there are three branches to the organization: the IFRC, national societies, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Although May 8 is International Red Cross Day, the State of Illinois marked Red Cross Day on March 23. That recognition included representation of the American Red Cross at the State Capitol, and a declaration in the Illinois House of Representatives, declaring March as Red Cross Month and March 22 as Red Cross Giving Day.

"World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is a time to celebrate the spirit of humanitarianism and recognize the individuals who make a difference in their communities" Haas said. 

According to the IFRC, the theme of the 2023 celebration is "Everything we do comes #fromtheheart." The organization explains the history of the 2023 World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is as follows: "The idea for World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day came about after the First World War, when an 'annual action that could take hold in the whole world... that would be a major contribution to peace' was discussed at the 14th International Conference of the Red Cross" a statement said. "8 May was eventually chosen because it is the anniversary of the birth of the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Henry Dunant. The first 'International Red Cross Day,' as it used to be known, was celebrated on 8 May 1948. The official title of the day changed over time and became known as 'World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day' in 1984. Today, the day is an opportunity every year to celebrate our network of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers, reaffirm our unwavering commitment to a common humanity, and reflect on our Fundamental Principles."