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American Red Cross volunteers join Italians for Solferino march to mark 160 years of service

By Giuseppe Terrasi, U.S. Army Garrison ItalyJune 27, 2024

American Red Cross in front of the Solferino municipal building during the Solferino 2024 Red Cross event.
American Red Cross in front of the Solferino municipal building during the Solferino 2024 Red Cross event. (Photo Credit: Terrasi, Giuseppe F. SGT IMCOM-E) VIEW ORIGINAL

SOLFERINO, Italy – Carrying lit torches through this picturesque Italian village, Americans joined thousands of other Red Cross staff and volunteers to honor their shared history – at the very site of their service organization’s origin.

American Red Cross and Red Cross organizations from around the world celebrate 160 years of Red Cross Service in Solferino Italy

On June 22, dozens of members of the American Redcross and volunteers from Vicenza and Aviano took part in a six-mile march near Solferino to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the Red Cross. Red Cross teams, to include Italian, German, Croatian and many other Red Cross nationalities, also took part.

Red Cross members marching with lit torches in Solferino to commemorate 160 years of Red Cross service.
Red Cross members marching with lit torches in Solferino to commemorate 160 years of Red Cross service. (Photo Credit: Terrasi, Giuseppe F. SGT IMCOM-E) VIEW ORIGINAL

“It’s a once in a lifetime thing for us to do,” said Stephany Frank, who is a nurse who volunteers in Vicenza. “Getting to engage with all these other communities and cultures and represent America in a great fashion”.

During the battle of Solferino in 1852, Henry Dunant found himself helping wounded soldiers from both sides of the conflict in. After the conflict he left Italy and returned to his home in Switzerland where he would become one of the founding members of the Red Cross.

American Red Cross staff and volunteers in the streets of Solferino for the 2024 Red Cross anniversary.
American Red Cross staff and volunteers in the streets of Solferino for the 2024 Red Cross anniversary. (Photo Credit: Terrasi, Giuseppe F. SGT IMCOM-E) VIEW ORIGINAL

The American Red Cross serves U.S. Army Garrison Italy and Aviano by providing medical services and volunteer opportunities. The organization consists of staff and volunteers from all ages and skill levels. Rachael Bradley, an Aviano Red Cross regional program specialist, said the mission overseas is service to the armed forces, primarily for military members and their families.

American Red Cross staff and volunteers gather for the 2024 Solferino Red Cross event.
American Red Cross staff and volunteers gather for the 2024 Solferino Red Cross event. (Photo Credit: Terrasi, Giuseppe F. SGT IMCOM-E) VIEW ORIGINAL

“If anyone needs to go home for emergency leave were the ones that get the messages verified and sent out, we do event support, moral events, we do resiliency, and blood drives,” Bradley said.

In Vicenza, ARC includes volunteers who are Soldiers, spouses and even high school students who are looking for experience.

Red Cross members marching with lit torches in Solferino to commemorate 160 years of Red Cross service.
Red Cross members marching with lit torches in Solferino to commemorate 160 years of Red Cross service. (Photo Credit: Terrasi, Giuseppe F. SGT IMCOM-E) VIEW ORIGINAL

Ztella Dibble volunteers at the Red Cross, first as a case worker at the clinic and now at the lab department.

“When we first got here, I immediately went to the Red Cross building to ask for a volunteer opportunity, and I can say that I’ve met most of my friends in the VMC through the Red Cross” Stella said.

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