Walking down the streets of Castiglione, on the night of June 24th, 1859, Henry Dunant heard the moans and cries of thousands of dying soldiers.1 In the battle of Solferino, 30,000 people lost their lives– the bloodiest battle in Europe since Waterloo.2 With the Alps looming in the distance, the blood of Austrians and Frenchman alike flowed in the streets. On his way to an important business meeting, but unable to bypass the devastation without taking action, Dunant entered the Chiesa Maggiore, or central church.3
Dunant opened the door of the church to an endless sea of devastation. French soldiers lay dying in the sanctuary, the smell of blood and disease melding with the desperate cries of pain. There were only six French doctors on staff to tend to thousands of wounded.4 A pitiful few local women aided only Austrian men, for fear of reprisal by the Army should the Austrians find them caring for their French enemies. Dunant, having no medical training or experience, set to work aiding the soldiers– even convincing the local women to turn their attention to French soldiers.
“Tutti Fratelli,” they said– “all are brothers.”5
