By Samantha Munro

Out of tragedy, emerged a day that will be forever honored throughout history! On August 19th 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, killed 22 people, including the chief humanitarian in Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly formalized the day as World Humanitarian Day (WHD).

Each year, WHD focuses on a theme, bringing together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers.

This year’s theme, “It takes a village,” shines a light on the thousands of volunteers, professionals and crisis-affected people who deliver urgent health care, shelter, food, protection, water and much more to those in need.

The American Red Cross knows the true meaning of this year’s theme very well, as 90% of the Red Cross workforce are volunteers! On average, they respond to more than 60,000 disasters every year. Also, in doing their best to keep expenses low, an average of 90 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in delivering care and comfort to those in need. To learn about becoming a volunteer, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

No matter who you are, you too are part of a village. In your own way, no matter how big or small, by attaining a humanitarian lifestyle in helping whatever way you can, whether it is through volunteering, donating materially or financially. You have become part of the humanitarian family, a village where hope is possible, helping people rise up from the ashes of their tragic experience.