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American Red Cross Founder's Day

History ยท May 21

A day that honors the beginnings of the American Red Cross and the humanitarian work of Clara Barton, the woman who organized it.

American Red Cross Founder's Day

American Red Cross Founder's Day falls on Friday, May 21, 2027. That is 206 days away.

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that helps people through emergencies, large and small. This day looks back at how it got its start and at Clara Barton, the nurse and teacher who organized it and led it in its early years.

Barton had already cared for wounded soldiers during the Civil War, where she earned the nickname "Angel of the Battlefield." She learned about the international Red Cross movement while in Europe and came home determined to build an American branch. Much of what followed rested on a simple idea: that ordinary people, trained and organized, could show up for strangers on their worst days.

That idea still shapes the work. The organization runs blood drives, opens shelters and serves meals after fires, floods and storms, teaches first aid and CPR classes, and supports military members and their families. Most of this is done by volunteers, many of whom never imagined they would spend a weekend handing out blankets in a school gym.

Marking the day tends to be quiet and practical. Some people read about Barton's life, which is full of stubborn persistence. Others sign up for a class, give blood or check what their local chapter needs. Local chapters are often the easiest place to start, since they handle the disasters closest to home, including the single house fire that never makes the news.

Ways to celebrate

Dates

YearDate
2026Thursday, May 21
2027Friday, May 21
2028Sunday, May 21
2029Monday, May 21
2030Tuesday, May 21

All national days on May 21

Also on May 21

Categories: History days