A commemorative blood drive was held today at the ceremonial hall of the Red Cross of Serbia to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. This marks the fifteenth consecutive year that the event has taken place, organized by U.S. Embassy Belgrade, the Red Cross of Serbia, and the Blood Transfusion Institute of Serbia.
The event featured remarks from Professor Dragan Radovanović, President of the Red Cross of Serbia; Aleksandar Titolo, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy; and Dr. Mirsad Đerlek, State Secretary at the Ministry of Health.
Professor Radovanović reflected on how New Yorkers responded to the tragedy 24 years ago by donating blood for those injured in the attacks. He said voluntary blood donation was one of the first actions taken after September 11 and that this tradition now links Serbian and American communities in solidarity. “Stable blood reserves provided by our donors enable the healthcare system to function in the field of transfusion. Without donors, there is no transfusion. A steady turnout guarantees stable reserves, and the Red Cross of Serbia is proud to bring together 65% of all blood donors in the country. So far this year alone, 2,450 Red Cross campaigns have been organized, collecting 93,400 units of blood,” Radovanović said. He also highlighted that summer months are especially critical for maintaining supplies and thanked all participants and organizers for their support.
Aleksandar Titolo expressed gratitude to both partner organizations for their cooperation with U.S. Embassy Belgrade: “Few organizations in the world are such a clear metaphor for the spirit of compassion and care for others as the Red Cross. We greatly value the strong partnership and friendship between us, and we are grateful for your tireless work supporting people across Serbia every day,” Titolo said. “This event was conceived to honor the victims of the devastating September 11 attacks. On that terrible day, the American people stood as one – to support, help, and save lives. I see that same volunteer spirit here today, whether among those organizing this event, donating blood, or raising awareness of the need to give. When we reflect on the many ties between Serbia and the United States, it is clear that our shared values—caring for others, compassion, and service—connect us in deeply meaningful ways,” he concluded.
Dr. Đerlek noted that marking September 11 through a voluntary blood drive is a unique way to commemorate its victims while demonstrating humanity among participants: “He underlined the immeasurable importance of such events as they ensure operating rooms can function without interruption.” He invited healthy citizens to join future drives with minimal effort but significant impact on others’ lives and called it a unique means to strengthen bilateral relations between Serbia and United States.
Today’s drive collected 25 units of blood with assistance from volunteers from “Club 25,” which encourages young people to participate in regular donations throughout their lives while promoting volunteerism and anonymity.
A video from today’s event can be found on the Embassy Instagram page.