WORLD RED CROSS DAY
The International Red Cross Movement was founded to protect life and health. It also ensures respect for all human beings, and prevent and alleviates human suffering. It is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education. We celebrate the World Red Cross Day on 8 May in its member countries. The day focuses on the need for protecting the lives as well as the dignity of victims of any armed conflicts and all situations of violence. The seven fundamental principles recognized during World Red Cross Day are humanity, impartiality, independence, voluntary neutrality, unity, and universality.
History and Significance
The League of the Red Cross Societies by the International of the Red Cross Societies (IFRC) General Assembly is responsible for this annual event. On May 8, 1948, the proposal came for celebrating World Red Cross Day annually. Later officially named World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.
Blood collection is the main focus of the Red Cross Society and it also helps to provide first aid, emergency response, refugee services, health, and social care, and help people in finding missing families. World Red Cross also promotes self-awareness. It empowers youth to learn about the techniques and methods that are essential for the survival of our generation as well as the next generation.
Celebration
Various programs and events are organized by the International Committee of Red Cross all around the world. This day is a day of motivation and pledge. Blood donation camps are organized in some locations. People motivate each other to protect lives and take care of the dignity of the victims.
TIME OF REMEMBRANCE AND RECONCILIATION
Every year, May 8 and May 9 have been designated as “The Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War.”. On these days, NGOs and individuals pay tribute to the victims of World War II. May 8 marks the event when the World War II Allies accepted the unconditional surrender of the armed forces of Nazi Germany and the end of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich.
On this day, we remember and pay tribute to those innocent souls who became the victims of the war. As per the estimates, civilian deaths totaled up to 50 to 55 million. This day is an annual international day of remembrance by the United Nations General Assembly on November 22, 2004.
MILITARY SPOUSE APPRECIATION DAY
Celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s day in the United States. Military Spouse Appreciation Day acknowledges the significant contributions, support, and sacrifices of spouses of their Armed Forces. We often hear about the ultimate sacrifices that soldiers all the way across the world have made in order to protect their nation from those who threaten innocent civilians. The spouses of those brave soldiers fighting foreign wars keep praying for them, constantly fearing for their safety, staying up late at night waiting for some sign of life.
Originating in the United States during 1984, at the height of the Cold War. Created by President Ronald Reagan. He wanted to raise awareness about just how much spousal commitment helps military personnel get through the worst of times. Also, celebrate the immense love these husbands and wives have for each other that makes this commitment possible. It is the spouse’s constant love and support that helps the soldiers keep going. By giving them emotional support to boost their morale.
There are numerous ways to celebrate this day. One can make donations to the organizations that support military spouses. Try finding if there is a person who is the partner of a military officer and visit him/her. Just to show a sign of emotional support. Military spouses will definitely appreciate even small signs of support from others. You can send small gifts like a thank-you card or flowers. Also, try to visit them regularly to eradicate their loneliness and talk to them to know more about their emotional well-being.
Sources- daysoftheyear.com
