Red Cross Founded 22 August

1864: Red Cross founded
The Geneva Convention of 1864 for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick of Armies in the Field is adopted by 12 nations meeting in Geneva. The agreement, advocated by Swiss humanitarian Jean-Henri Dunant, called for nonpartisan care to the sick and wounded in times of war, and provided for the neutrality of medical personnel. It also proposed the use of an international emblem to mark medical personnel and supplies. In honor of Dunant's nationality, a red cross on a white background--the Swiss flag in reverse--was chosen. In 1901, Dunant was awarded the first Nobel Peace Prize.

On this Day

1968
Start of the first Open Wimbledon lawn tennis championships - open to both professional and amateur players.
1948
The beginning of the Berlin Airlift following the USSR blockade of Berlin. With West Berlin completely surrounded by East Germany and with the road and rail links to West Germany having been cut, Western Europe, aided by the Americans ferry food and other essential supplies into West Berlin by air. The operation, involving more than 1,000 flights, lasts several months.
1947
The world hears the first stories of 'flying saucers' when American pilot Kenneth Arnold reports seeing 9 disc-shaped objects in the sky near Mount Rainier in Washington, USA.
1917
World War I: Mutiny of Russian sailors serving with the Black Sea fleet at Sevastopol.
1878
Formation of the St John Ambulance - originally called the St John Ambulance Association.
1859
Swiss businessman Henri Dunant witnesses the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino in Italy - the large number of wounded soldiers, many of whom later die from their injuries, inspires him to found the International Red Cross.