Red Cross Aruba: Compassion and Community in Action

Yesterday, Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, the Red Cross Aruba brought the community together for a lively and heartfelt fundraising event at MVC Eagle Beach and Tulip Restaurant. “Riding for the Roses” is an annual fundraising event that aligns closely with the humanitarian mission of organizations like the Red Cross, aiming to raise awareness and funds for causes that impact countless lives. The event was more than just a walk or a swim – it was a reminder of the enduring spirit of service and compassion that has defined the Red Cross for over 150 years.

A Legacy of Service Rooted in Humanity

It’s fitting to remember the origins of the Red Cross, an organization born out of pure compassion in the face of unimaginable suffering. As the Papiamento saying goes, “Den tempo di guera no tin misa” – in times of war, there is no mass – meaning that traditional comforts often disappear. Yet even in those darkest times, humanity’s shared duty to respect dignity and protect life remains. This principle has guided the Red Cross since its founding.

The Story of Jean Henry Dunant

In 1859, Swiss businessman Jean Henry Dunant found himself amidst a horrific scene at Solferino, Italy, where thousands of wounded soldiers, both friend and foe, lay suffering. Moved by compassion, he postponed his plans, rolled up his sleeves, and organized local villagers to tend to the wounded – without discrimination, friends or foes, as Dunant famously declared in Italian, “Tutti fratelli” (“All are brothers”). His Aruban counterpart might have said, “Nos tur ta ruman.”

This profound experience stayed with Dunant long after the dust of Solferino settled. It inspired him to envision a permanent organization dedicated to providing aid in times of war, rooted in principles of humanity and impartiality. In 1862, he published A Memory of Solferino, a detailed account of the horrors he had witnessed and a visionary call for an organization that could aid all wounded soldiers, regardless of nationality or allegiance. Dunant’s book reached influential leaders and sparked widespread discussion about the need for formal humanitarian assistance during war.

The First Geneva Convention: Setting the Foundation for Humanitarian Law

Dunant’s advocacy led to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) creation in 1863, a groundbreaking organization that laid the foundation for humanitarian relief during conflicts. The following year, Dunant’s vision took shape in the form of the first Geneva Convention. This historic agreement, signed by 12 nations in 1864, established clear guidelines to protect the wounded, regardless of their side in the conflict. It was the first international treaty to set rules for wartime conduct, marking the birth of what we now know as international humanitarian law.

The Geneva Convention introduced the concept that medical personnel and humanitarian workers should be neutral parties, protected in their efforts to help all in need. The Red Cross emblem – a red cross on a white background – symbolized protection and neutrality, recognized by all parties in a conflict. This emblem continues to be a universal symbol of hope and aid in crisis.

The Evolution of the Red Cross Movement

Following the success of the first Geneva Convention, the Red Cross movement grew rapidly. Over time, it expanded to include a network of national societies, including Red Cross and Red Crescent organizations in almost every country worldwide. As the organization evolved, the Red Cross continued to adapt its mission, providing wartime assistance and responding to natural disasters, public health emergencies, and social welfare needs.

The movement’s commitment to humanity, neutrality, and impartiality has guided its actions in diverse global crises. From the World Wars to recent conflicts in Syria and Ukraine, Red Cross volunteers and workers have upheld these principles, providing aid to all without discrimination.

The Red Cross: A Global Mission of Compassion Amid Conflict

As we reflect on the Red Cross’s origins, it’s poignant to remember how this organization was born from a vision to alleviate human suffering, especially in times of war. Jean Henry Dunant’s principles of impartiality and compassion remain relevant today as conflicts continue to impact countless lives worldwide.

The ongoing crises in places like Ukraine and Gaza have left thousands of civilians vulnerable, displaced, and in urgent need of humanitarian aid. In these challenging times, the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies are on the ground, working tirelessly to provide food, water, shelter, medical care, and psychological support to those affected – regardless of their background or circumstance. This commitment to neutrality enables these humanitarian workers to offer critical support amid some of the world’s most devastating conflicts.

These conflicts remind us of Dunant’s original message: that even in the darkest times, our shared humanity must guide us to help those in need. The Red Cross’s mission to protect life and dignity, even amidst war, is a testament to the idea that, as humans, we are all responsible for one another. Whether in Aruba or across the globe, the “nos tur ta ruman” principle continues to guide this work, emphasizing that every individual has inherent dignity and deserves compassion.

The Red Cross in Aruba: Carrying Dunant’s Legacy Forward

Today, Red Cross Aruba embodies the spirit of Dunant’s mission and the Aruban ethos of “Nos tur ta ruman.” For decades, this dedicated team has provided aid in times of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, and offered continuous support to those in need. Red Cross Aruba trains the community in lifesaving skills, organizes blood drives, and offers first aid courses, strengthening our island’s resilience and unity. Through these efforts, Red Cross Aruba upholds the belief that all lives deserve dignity, safety, and compassion.

The Red Cross movement has also expanded to address international crises. In recent years, Red Cross Aruba has joined global relief efforts for refugees displaced by conflicts, showing that Dunant’s vision extends far beyond any single border.

Supporting Red Cross Aruba: Year-Round Compassion for Our Community

“Riding for the Roses” at MVC Eagle Beach brought our community together for a powerful morning of support, unity, and fitness. However, while the event has passed, the work of the Red Cross continues daily. The reality is that crises don’t take a day off, nor does the Red Cross. To keep their mission alive, they need ongoing support from all of us – because, truly, “nos tur ta ruman.”

Why Year-Round Support Matters

The Red Cross does essential work that often goes unseen until the moment of need arises. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a health emergency, or a crisis affecting vulnerable individuals, Red Cross Aruba stands ready to offer help. Beyond emergencies, they’re here year-round, educating our community through first aid training, organizing blood drives, and teaching us about emergency preparedness. They empower each of us to become helpers in times of need.

When we contribute to the Red Cross, we aren’t just funding relief for one event but helping build a more resilient, prepared, and compassionate Aruba. Every contribution – big or small – makes a difference in someone’s life, locally or globally. Together, we can ensure that the Red Cross has the resources to respond quickly, effectively, and without hesitation.

How You Can Make a Difference

We invite our community to continue supporting Red Cross Aruba beyond yesterday’s event. You can make a one-time donation or consider a monthly contribution, which helps them better plan and respond to immediate and long-term needs. Donate here. Volunteering your time or participating in future events are great ways to contribute. Become a volunteer.

Proud to Walk with the Red Cross

Yesterday’s event, which #YourFavoriteLawyer and the Gomez Coffie Law team and their respective spouses and loved ones proudly participated in, wasn’t just about fundraising – it was a celebration of an enduring mission to help all people. By participating, we honored Dunant’s legacy and the timeless belief that, in times of need, “nos tur ta ruman.” We’re inspired to stand alongside the Red Cross Aruba, supporting its role as a beacon of neutrality and humanity.

Thank you to everyone who joined yesterday to support this remarkable cause. Together, we are part of a global community bound by compassion and unity. Events like “Riding for the Roses” remind us that we can make a difference, helping build a stronger, healthier community. Stay connected for more updates and inspiration by visiting our new website, lincolngomez.com, where you can find all our blogs and podcasts.

See you next week!