February 17th

On this day - February 17th 1863 - The International Committee of the Red Cross was established

The Red Cross was founded by the Swiss Business man, Henry Dunant. The bacground for the establishment was Dunants experiences from the Battle of Solferino where around 40.000 soldiers from both sides were left dying and wounded on the Battle Field. What had original been a trip to discuss business With Napoleon III became a life changing experience for Dunant and the beginning of the Red Cross. Dunant organized a Committee With the title "International Committee for Relief to the Wounded". This Committee established what was later to be known as the red cross on 17th February 1863. The name, International Committee of the Red Cross was adopted in 1876. Henry Dunant was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.