MONROVIA, May 1 (LINA) -The Liberian National Red Cross Society will join the World Red Cross Red Crescent Movement to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the adoption of the fundamental principles and their continuing relevance in humanitarian service on May 8.
A Presidential Proclamation is calling upon all persons residing within the territorial limits of Liberia to observe May 1 through 31 as Red Cross month and May 8 as World “Red Cross Red Crescent Day.”
The Proclamation said May 1 and 8 will be observed throughout Liberia as Working Holidays and also directs that all civic and voluntary organizations and Government agencies concerned are to fully participate in such programs as planned by the Liberian National Red Cross Society to make the occasion meaningful and rewarding.
The Proclamation further noted that after more than 130 years, the devoted volunteers of Liberian Red Cross have responded to challenges in the various counties, districts and communities with compassion and generosity, including the outbreak of the Ebola virus from which the nation is gradually recovering.
According to a Foreign Ministry release, the Proclamation mentioned that in the space of the fast changing world, young people will lead positive change.
The Proclamation reflects recent surveys that show that half of the 13 million Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers worldwide are youths who are innovators, embracing new ideas and technologies faster than any generation before them.
It also acknowledges that thousands of them worldwide have been trained as peer educators in the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
Under the theme: “The Power of Humanity” the Proclamation noted that after 150 years of its birth, the Red Cross Red Crescent continues to provide humanitarian services to vulnerable communities and remains committed to doing so.
The event will also be held simultaneously in the 15 Countries, beginning with street parade, mini tournament and climaxing with indoor program, while the Red Cross membership drive geared towards raising funds to support the humanitarian work of the Liberian Red Cross will be launched.
The Proclamation is in recognition of the World Red Cross Red Crescent Movement commitment to rendering relevant and timely services to distressed and needy people throughout the world in time of trouble, sickness, war, natural calamity, and other forms of disasters.
LINA GDJ