American Red Cross Logo PNG
“Help will come quickly,” the American Red Cross logo promises. Medical gowns, sterility, and safety are read in the emblem. The sign indicates medications that help restore health.
Red Cross: Brand overview
| Founded: | May 21, 1881 |
| Founder: | Clara Barton |
| Headquarters: | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Website: | redcross.org |
Meaning and History
The American branch of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was created in 1881, but the main organization appeared much earlier – in 1863. This was preceded by the historical events associated with the Battle of Solferino. The aftermath of one of the bloodiest battles of the 19th century impressed the Swiss businessman Henry Dunant so much that he decided to help people who fought with each other. After all, many of them died not in battle but in a hospital due to a lack of basic care. Dunant called on volunteers to provide food and emergency medical services to rescue injured soldiers. Moreover, he refused to divide the warriors into “us” and “foes.”
This laid the foundation for the Red Cross. Under the influence of Dunant’s ideas, a special committee appeared in Geneva, and later (in 1864), the Geneva Convention was signed. This document guaranteed the inviolability of volunteers and obliged them to use the identification symbol—a red cross on a white background. This logo was developed even before the adoption of an international treaty. Henry Dunant himself created it in 1863.
The emblem is essentially a modified flag of Switzerland, in which the red and white colors are reversed. The fact is that Dunant and four other international conference organizers were citizens of Switzerland. This is how the ideological mastermind of the Red Cross expressed respect for his homeland. The logo has no religious meaning; it is not associated with cultural and political associations. It was first used to protect volunteers providing medical assistance to the military on the battlefield. It now symbolizes humanitarian services, including the American branch of the international movement.
In the United States, the Red Cross underwent one rebranding in 2012. Designers modernized the corporate identity by making the logo three-dimensional and repainting the organization’s name gray. It is worth noting that this badge does not replace the traditional emblem that protects volunteers.
1881 – 2012
Until 2012, the American Red Cross logo consisted of two elements. On the right was the famous icon of a red cross made up of four squares. On the left was the name of the charity movement in bold black sans serif type. The first word was on the top line, and the second and third were on the bottom.
2012 – today
The only known logo redesign was in 2012. The authors placed a cruciform shape inside a white circle that appears three-dimensional due to the radial gradient and gray shadows. The inscription was also repainted in gray, while the shape and size of the letters remained almost unchanged.
Created by Henry Dunant, this symbol may only be used by official Red Cross organizations and military medical services. In America, an exception was granted only to companies with a red cross mark before 1906.
Such strict prohibitions are related to the safety of volunteers. After all, the emblem does not just make it possible to recognize the performers of the humanitarian mission – it serves as a signal to “do not shoot.” The lives and health of people who care for the wounded on the battlefield, victims of natural disasters, and those affected by emergencies depend on it. The employees of the charity movement have no weapons, and their only shield is the logo with the image of the cross.
According to the rules of the Geneva Convention, neither of the warring parties has the right to attack buildings, equipment, vehicles, and people marked with an international symbol. They should be allowed everywhere and given access to the sick and wounded—both during an armed conflict and in the absence of war.
The red cross-shaped sign gives hope for impartial and voluntary help to everyone in a difficult situation, regardless of nationality and religion. He says that salvation is on the way. The symbol signals military medical units’ neutral position and speaks of their non-interference in hostilities.
Despite the American Red Cross’s important mission, pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson has charged a humanitarian organization with logo copyright infringement. In 2007, the case went to trial. As noted by the applicant, he began using the image of the Red Cross in 1887, and the statutes of the Congress were not adopted until the beginning of the next millennium.
Red Cross: Interesting Facts
The American Red Cross symbolizes hope and help during crises, offering various humanitarian services in the U.S. and abroad.
- Founding by Clara Barton: Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross on May 21, 1881, inspired by the International Red Cross she saw in Europe. Known as the “Angel of the Battlefield” during the Civil War, Barton aimed to bring similar aid to the U.S.
- Congressional Charter: In 1900, and more formally in 1905, Congress granted the American Red Cross a charter to provide disaster relief and emergency help in war and peace, making it essential to the nation’s emergency plans.
- Blood Donation: It’s a major supplier of blood in the U.S., providing about 40% of the nation’s donated blood, supporting surgeries, treatments for cancer, and care for chronic conditions and injuries.
- Disaster Relief: Known for responding to over 60,000 disasters annually, including hurricanes, wildfires, and home fires, the American Red Cross plays a crucial role in disaster response.
- Military Family Support: It offers vital services to military personnel, veterans, and their families, such as emergency communications and support through health crises and transitions back to civilian life.
- Health and Safety Training: The organization also teaches health and safety courses like first aid, CPR, and lifeguard training, preparing people and communities to respond to emergencies.
- International Work: As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, it also undertakes global humanitarian projects, like disease prevention and disaster preparedness, and helps reconnect families separated by conflicts or disasters.
- Volunteer Workforce: With most of its workforce being volunteers, the American Red Cross relies heavily on its dedication to carry out its mission across the country.
- Technology for Good: It uses technology innovatively to enhance disaster response and health services, creating mobile apps for emergency alerts and safety tips and helping people prepare for and respond to emergencies.
- Humanitarian Principles: Guided by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s principles, such as Humanity, Impartiality, and Neutrality, the American Red Cross ensures its aid is provided fairly and without discrimination.
The American Red Cross is a testament to humanitarianism. Its network of volunteers and broad programs significantly impacts millions yearly and is vital in emergency readiness and recovery efforts in the U.S. and internationally.
Font and Colors
The name of the charity movement is written in bold sans serif, similar to Craft Gothic Black by FontSite Inc. The letters look harmonious because their angularity is combined with smooth curves. The text is dark gray. The shadows next to the circle are also gray, but a lighter shade with a gradient was chosen for them. The cross is traditionally red because it was originally taken from the flag of Switzerland. Henry Dunant swapped the colors, making the background white and the centerpiece red.