The Answer:

The symbol that the American Red Cross uses—a red cross on a white background—is used by Red Cross units around the world. It is the reverse of the flag of Switzerland and was chosen to represent both the organization's neutrality and honor the nationality of Jean Henry Dunant, who first proposed the idea of a voluntary group dedicated to relief of war victims in 1862.

The organization and its symbol were established at the Geneva Convention of 1864. Here is a link to more information at the official site of the American Red Cross.

—The Editors