Six years ago today, 22 people were killed in a bombing at the United Nations Office in Iraq. Unfortunately those 22 are only a handful of those who have died throughout the years working to promote the humanitarian cause. In an effort to commemorate the lives that have already been lost, celebrate the humanitarian work that’s being done today, and focus our attention on the challenges and people who still need our help, the United Nations established World Humanitarian Day, observed today, August 19, 2009.

In my personal observation of World Humanitarian Day, I thought it was important to take a minute and salute all of the humanitarian organizations across the globe striving to make our world a better place. And it only seems fair to give a big ‘thank you’ to all of our local humanitarians- the St. Louis Area Volunteers who respond to fires, teach First Aid and CPR, sell chocolate roses to benefit the Measles Initiative, teach people to swim, deploy on disaster assignments, teach preparedness, and so much more. You do amazing things that keep our community prepared and safe, and for that I am thankful. Saving the world is a daunting task, but if we work one community at a time, just think what we can accomplish together. Thanks for doing your part, Red Cross volunteers!