| Address of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov on the 65th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Red Cross of the Republic of Macedonia | |
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Today we are gathered together in order to celebrate an important jubilee the 65th anniversary since the establishment of the Red Cross of the Republic of Macedonia. Our Red Cross was established at a time when such an organization was most needed, immediately after the devastating World War II, at a time when man’s life and dignity were stepped on everywhere. The idea of the Red Cross as an organization was born at the bloody fields of Solferino, but its roots are much deeper. The Red Cross is a symbol of our faith in humanity, the oldest and universal principle of civilization. The modern Macedonian state and our Red Cross are contemporaries. As the Macedonian state has been being built and developed, so have the tasks and priorities of the Macedonian Red Cross. As the post-war recovery of the country gave way to the economic development, so has the Red Cross founded its new mission helping citizens in need, helping communities stricken by natural disasters, where often the first aid comes under the Red Cross emblem. The founder of the international organization of the Red Cross, Henry Dunnant, was the first Nobel peace prize winner ever. The Red Cross won three more Nobel peace prizes, and is proud with the great number of other prestigious decorations. However, the most important prizes are the ones which this organization gains daily, the every day gratitude of thousands of people who receive their much needed help from the Red Cross and the Red Crescent. Neither a single institution nor a state commission can change the need for individual sense of responsibility and an individual call for action. There is no substitute for the voluntary and free aid given by a citizen, an individual. Here, of course we can acknowledge that one cannot help much individually. But, when a system like the Red Cross gathers all our individual efforts and directs them where they are most needed, then there is no limit of what we can accomplish. We must recall the tradition and provide assistance and succor whenever necessary. Therefore, it is an imperative that we nurture the spirit of solidarity constantly. We should not wait certain tragedy to happen to be spurred to solidarity. On the contrary, our everyday small and constant examples of humanity and assistance can be gathered into a strong wave of solidarity. We don’t have to discuss big issues to be called for action. We are proud of the number of people that have been part of this noble mission. This is also an obligation for us too, to help where help is most needed. Therefore, allow me, on behalf of all the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, to congratulate the Red Cross of Macedonia on its 65 anniversary, and wish that we celebrate this day together for a long time.
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