To this day in Tarnów, in Małopolska, there is a nearly 100-year-old tradition of parades through the city organized on the occasion of the PCK Week
In the previous trivia, we talked about fundraising activities for the Polish Red Cross Week. Today we would like to show the tradition of red cross parades through the city. During the interwar period, the Polish Red Cross began celebrations on June 1st, and there was also a time when the Polish Red Cross Week began on May 26, on Mother's Day (likely related to the cult of Joseph Piłsudski's mother).
During the interwar period, meetings and rallies involving representatives of the most important local authorities were organized in central city squares. Reviews and presentations of Polish Red Cross units, including health and youth divisions, were conducted, and then a parade through the city commenced. Very often, the Polish Red Cross Week celebrations were combined with rescue demonstrations. Booths were set up, where fundraising took place or stamps were sold.
After the war, the Polish Red Cross Week was also very visible. During this period, flags were ceremoniously displayed. The Red Cross flags appeared at every Polish Red Cross office, institution, and also at every factory and school.
Today, unfortunately, the Polish Red Cross Week is celebrated on a smaller scale than in the past, yet interesting forms of promotion still exist, such as "living signs" of the red cross, parades through the city, booths showcasing statutory activities, flag displays, or collections in fundraising cans.
The only city where the Polish Red Cross marches through the city during the Polish Red Cross Week is…. Tarnów in Małopolska. This tradition has survived for many years and is carefully cultivated by local activists, members, and volunteers. Youth, blood donors, and even preschool red cross Squirrels march.
Facts about the Polish Red Cross
Only after the fourth request to the International Red Cross was the Polish Red Cross recognized on the international stage.
The beginnings of blood donation in the Red Cross date back to 1935, which took place 83 years ago.
If the borders of Poland had not been changed after World War II, the 100th anniversary of the Polish Red Cross (PCK) would have been celebrated with the Lviv, Volhynian, and Wilno branches, which are still active today but under the structures of different state associations.
The employees of the Polish Red Cross carried out the exhumation of Polish officers murdered in the Katyn Forest while also being responsible for creating the official Katyn Lists
The Red Cross movement and its foundations were the source for the establishment of sanitary services for wounded soldiers under the names Polish White Cross and Polish Green Cross.
Over the years, the rules for statutory financing of the PCK's activities have changed, as has our role and position within the state.
The PCK enjoyed immense public trust during the Second Polish Republic, and the most important figures in the state always spoke about our organization with the utmost respect.
To this day, in Tarnów, Małopolska, there is a nearly 100-year tradition of parades through the city organized on the occasion of the Polish Red Cross Week.
On February 8, 2018, it was 50 years since the establishment of the badge of the Honorable Blood Donor
On February 8, 2018, it marked 50 years since the establishment of the badge of the Meritorious Honorary Blood Donor
PCK never accepted any gratifications and did not support the Nazi authorities, thereby exposing itself to severe consequences.
The Polish Red Cross was the initiator of healthcare in rural areas during the interwar period and the establishment of the first village health centers.
PCK was involved in the construction of the Marshal Piłsudski Mound in Sowińca in Krakow in 1936
At the beginning of 1919, within the structures of the newly established Polish Red Cross Society, 3 District Branches of the PTCK were created: for Galicia, the Grand Duchy of Posen, and Silesia.
During its 100-year activity, the Polish Red Cross, the International Committee of the Red Cross, honored 102 Polish nurses associated with our organization with the Florence Nightingale Medal.
The Polish Red Cross was the organizer of parachuting courses
Did two Polish doctors working at the Red Cross hospital during World War II save more lives than Oskar Schindler?
There existed simultaneously the Polish Red Cross and the Polish White Cross, whose president was Helena Paderewska.
There was a time in the history of PCK when, legally, two or even three Main Boards of PCK operated simultaneously.
Help us endlessly
Thanks to the kindness and support of our Donors, we can help children, seniors, support medical rescuers, promote the idea of blood donation, and implement many other projects that save lives in times of conflict or humanitarian crises. Every donation and every form of support is significant because the Polish Red Cross connects those in need with those who want to provide help. Let’s help together!
See also
The Red Cross Week in Polish lands was already celebrated before the Polish Red Cross was officially established, which was over 100 years ago.
Available historical sources show that the PCK Week was already celebrated by the Galician Red Cross Society led by Father Paweł Sapieha. The tradition was borrowed from the celebrations of the Austrian Red Cross.
The PCK enjoyed immense social trust during the Second Republic, and the most important figures in the state always spoke of our organization with the highest regard.
„Let the Red Cross not be red like an unhealed wound, but let it adorn the red of a heart that loves its neighbor and brings him active help” - Gen. Józef Haller, 1919
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