Tuesday, September 16, 2008

international peace day.


September 21 is the United Nations International Day of Peace.

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations as an annual observance of global non-violence and ceasefire. Every year, people in all parts of the world honour peace in various ways on 21 September.

This year, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will ring the Peace Bell at United Nations Headquarters in New York in the company of the UN Messengers of Peace. He has called for a 24-hour cessation of hostilities on 21 September, and for a minute of silence to be observed around the world at noon local time.

Nonviolence, compassion, and peace is not something you can teach to children, you have to live it. That said, having a platform to create open discussion, ask questions, and consciously focus on nonviolence and peace is a good thing. We have some crafts planned, some books to read, and we will light a candle and observe a moment of silence at noon, sending love and peace to the world. Won't you join us?

Links:
The Jane Goodall Foundation participates in International Peace day, and has a great idea for creating giant doves of peace and flying them. Roots & Shoots Day of Peace

Pledge for Peace

Peace One Day

International Day of Peace


Books:






A Little Peace
by Barbara Kerley














Peace One Day
by Jeremy Gilley









Peace is not something you wish for; It's something you make, Something you do, Something you are, And something you give away. ~Robert Fulghum

8 comments:

Jodi Anderson said...

I didn't know about this, Denise. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

We don't have anything planned for Sunday, so we are mulling over something thoughtful and meaningful that we can do. Plus, it's a great way to gear up for ... *drum roll* ... EQUINOX!!!

brianna said...

Excellent, thanks for posting this!

dawn klinge said...

I didn't know about this either..thanks for sharing. I'll join you on this and plan something for my kids on that day.

Ruth said...

We are peace. We are a prayer.

Lisa Anne said...

Thanks, I did not know, I want to make those giant peace doves.

Tara said...

I wasn't aware of this. Thanks for sharing and, yes, we would love to join you in a moment of silence.

Anonymous said...

thanks for all this wonderful info, Denise. we will join you, well maybe 15 hours before you, but we'll participate.

Stephanie said...

Denise-
do you know about Pinwheels for Peace? It's done on this day, for the same reason.
Stephanie