MAY 21

On this date in 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross (ARC).  She was a self-taught nurse who worked tirelessly during the American Civil War which had ended some 16 years earlier.

She spent time in Europe as part of the International Red Cross (IRC) tending to the injured and sick during several wars.  The IRC, of which the ARC is a part, was established in 1863. 

Clara expanded the purview of the ARC to include natural disasters as well as wars.  Clara Barton is an American hero; a humanitarian everyone should know.