Christophe Lobry-Boulanger, an instructor of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) classes at the American Red Cross in Greater New York and the Chapter's International Services Program Manager, had the privilege of being the only representative from the American Red Cross to participate in this year's Fiaccolata, a torch procession in the Northern Italian city of Solférino created in 1992 in honor of Swiss businessman Henry Dunant. After his experiences in Solférino, Dunant wrote Un Souvenir de Solferino—which ultimately initiated the efforts for the Geneva Conventions and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

In celebration of Dunant and the events in Solférino, the Fiaccolata—"procession of candles”—is held to show support and solidarity for Dunant’s legacy by bringing together representatives from more than 180 societies within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Each year, the Fiaccolata takes place in the Piazza Del Castello, the Solférino square where French and Italian armies stormed the streets—and where the Battle of Solférino was ultimately won. “When discussing the 1859 battle during an IHL class, the 300,000 soldiers fighting for 14 hours on a hot June day and ultimately the 40,000 casualties,” explains Christophe, “we recognize the importance of that day and the impact it made in the heart of Henry Dunant as he helped his fellow men.” This year’s Fiaccolata, held on June 23rd, was yet another example of the impact Dunant had on mankind 148 years since the infamous battle as thousands of Red Cross delegates marched through the legendary streets.

Christophe not only had the privilege of being the one representative from the American Red Cross to participate in this year’s Fiaccolata, but he was also the personal guest of the Mayor of Solférino, acting on behalf of the American Red Cross once again at the Official Ceremony the next day, which was attended by many Red Cross dignitaries from across the world.

“Within one hour, the whole square filled up with thousands of volunteers and Red Cross uniforms from so many countries,” Christophe explains. “There was no better way to exemplify the Red Cross Movement, including the very start of the procession with the three emblems and the Seven Fundamental Principles leading this wave of candles, marching in procession from Solférino to Castiglione del Stiviere.”

The approximately 7.5-mile Fiaccolata came to a close in the middle of the night with celebratory fireworks in starry Castiglione. With more than 12,000 volunteers from dozens of national societies joined together, participants felt it was a remarkable experience. “What a great opportunity to share in this procession as a Red Cross volunteer, sharing our common goal of helping to alleviate human suffering worldwide—whether from disease, famine, disaster or war. It was truly amazing to participate in this historic event.”

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement will celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Solférino in 2009.