In 1821 Clarissa was born a timid soul but with a courageous pioneering heart. Forty years years later ‘the Angel of the Battlefield’ began her life’s work.

In 1861, now considered ‘calm and resourceful’ Clara, as she wished to be called, was working as a recording clerk in the U.S. Patent Office in Washington, D.C. at the outbreak of the Civil War. Patriotically inspired, immediately she began collecting provisions and medical supplies for the Union Army and appealed to the public for support. But that wasn’t enough. Frustrated with her limited role, passionate about making a difference and ‘undeterred by War Department regulations and prevailing stereotypes’ Clara eventually brought her volunteer services and medical supplies right on to the field of battle.

In 1869 after a visit to Geneva Switzerland and an introduction to the Red Cross, Clara Barton made her lasting impression on the world. Following relentless attempts for Presidential approval that started in 1871, she finally formed the American Red Cross on this day, May 21st, 1881. For the next 20 years under her leadership the volunteer services provided mainly U.S. disaster relief but included Russian famine relief and relief operations in Turkey and Armenia. She also lobbied to pass an amendment to the Geneva Treaty that called for Red Cross support to include victims of natural disasters. Clara was an advocate of education, prison reform, women’s suffrage, civil rights and helped create the First Aid kit. Learn more about Clara at www.redcross.org

Will you be an angel of something? What does your heart keep telling your head to do?