The year 1969 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Polish Red Cross.

In our country the assistance brought by the population and voluntary associations to wounded soldiers originated from a very ancient and fine tradition. It goes back to the time of Kosciuszko's Insurrection and was continued during the national insurrections of 1830 and 1863. Throughout the 120 years and more of Poland's servitude and dismemberment it was extended to those who had been imprisoned for fighting for liberty and justice. One of the organizations of voluntary assistance and first-aid was called the Red Cross Society (1862–1886).