
Picture from http://philangra.blogspot.se/2013/04/a-cruz-vermelha-portuguesa.html
The Red Cross needs no explanation. The roundles which in Portuguese Heraldry are called Quinas is a national symbol of Portugal. The Castles symbolize protection, one of the missions of the Red Cross. The Dolphin is known to help other Dolphins in distress and is here used as a symbol of the Red Cross' humanitarian mission. The Order of the Tower and Sword (the highest decoration in Portugal) was bestowed on the Portuguese Red Cross in recollection for its service to Portuguese soldiers in the First World War (where a Portuguese Expeditionary Force fought along side the Entente on the Western Front) and in Angola and Mozambique (Colonial wars in the 1960ies and 1970ies). The Motto is "Humanidade e Neutralidade" = "Humanity and Neutrality".