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May 21, 2012

Happy 131st Birthday the American Red Cross!

131 years ago the American Red Cross was started, leading the way to the humanitarian organization you know today! 

Clara Barton and a circle of acquaintances founded the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. on May 21, 1881. Barton first heard of the Swiss-inspired International Red Cross Movement while visiting Europe following the Civil War. Returning home, she campaigned for an American Red Cross society and for ratification of the Geneva Convention protecting the war-injured, which the United States ratified in 1882.

Barton headed the Red Cross for 23 years, during which time it conducted its first domestic and overseas disaster relief efforts, aided the United States military during the Spanish-American War, and campaigned successfully for the inclusion of peacetime relief work as part of the International Red Cross Movement.  For more information on the history of the American Red Cross, you can visit our online museum.

A few years ago it came to our attention that May 21st is also the birthday of Mr. T (Happy 60th!).  Nate had the idea that similar to Mr. T and Chuck Norris facts, to celebrate the birthday of the America Red Cross we should have over-the-top Clara Barton facts;
FACT: Clara Barton can lead a horse to water AND make it drink.

FACT: Clara Barton does not get frostbite. Clara Barton bites frost.

FACT: In a fight between Batman and Darth Vader, the winner would be Clara Barton.
However you decide to celebrate, thank you for being part of the American Red Cross!

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