The idea of the Red Cross was born of suffering, suffering in war. It was followed by humanitarian action for the benefit of all humanity, and has been enhanced with the knowledge and experience gained throughout the many years of its long history.

We have seen how one man, a good man, struck with compassion for those who were suffering, was able to arouse that same compassion and will to help in many hitherto indifferent people, how he was able to convince them to give what was best in them to a noble humanitarian cause. In doing their humanitarian work, these people did not ask who was friend and who was foe. Only one thing mattered: to alleviate suffering and save human lives.