Volunteers Embody Humanitarian Spirit, Sustaining the Vitality of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

By Wang Qingfeng May 4, 113

Esteemed Directors, Supervisors, Presidents of Local Red Cross Chapters, General Secretaries, and our esteemed volunteer partners,

Welcome and heartfelt gratitude to each of you for joining us in our new home - the Humanitarian Park of the Red Cross.

Emerging from the crucible of the COVID-19 pandemic, today, four years later, we finally reunite in our sanctuary. In previous years, organizing such a celebratory acknowledgment required arduous venue scouting. From this day forth, we can host it in our new sanctuary. Though the journey may be longer, it provides an opportunity for exploration of Tamsui's historical artifacts and scenic landmarks.

May 8th annually commemorates the birthday of a visionary - the father of the Red Cross, Henry Dunant, and is celebrated as World Red Cross Day. Each national Red Cross unites during this juncture to honor this humanitarian advocate and commend the volunteer partners who uphold the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. They weave the densest global humanitarian rescue network, exhibiting the most precious humanitarian ethos amidst areas afflicted by warfare, armed conflict, natural disasters, and human calamities.

Surely, we have all witnessed the recent 0403 Hualien earthquake. Our Hualien rescue team, undeterred by peril and hardship, immediately joined forces with the Hualien Fire Department to rescue lives in the disaster zone, aiding the injured, stranded civilians, and retrieving the deceased from the mountains. We deeply admire their valor. Today, several individuals have journeyed from Hualien to share their narratives, allowing us to express our profound gratitude once again. Concurrently, we extend our condolences to the families of the hospitalized and deceased. Currently, we are implementing a relief program providing Red Vouchers for household essentials.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, through generations of relentless effort and dedication, has traversed 161 years (1863~). Our nation's Red Cross movement has also just completed its illustrious 120-year journey (1904~). The foreseeable future demands continued diligence from us, to uphold and propagate humanitarianism, to promote international humanitarian law, to ensure the perpetuation of this movement, to alleviate and preventing human suffering, safeguard human dignity, and fostering global peace.

Thank you all. Until we gather again next year!