THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
In the new world we are creating, we enjoy a living treasure in the caring, compassionate people who act in natural ways to promote a peaceful, sustainable planet.
-an essay by Bill Bryant
From time to time, we stop to celebrate our sucesses -- to honor the pioneers who have gone before us, to recognize the progress we have made.
The International Day of Peace, September 21st, is rapidly becoming one of the annual time markers that we use to celebrate our emerging global culture of peace. This year, millions of people in thousands of places around the world will observe the International Day of Peace. It will be a day of parades, concerts, vigils, speeches, and programs of various kinds. The celebrations will be large and small, simple and sophisticated.
As described on a website devoted to its promotion, the International Day of Peace was first established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the General Assembly. Beginning in 2002, the UN General Assembly set 21 September as the now permanent date for the International Day of Peace.
In establishing the International Day of Peace, the United Nations General Assembly decided that it would be appropriate:
"...to devote a specific time to concentrate the efforts of the United Nations and its Member States, as well as of the whole of mankind, to promoting the ideals of peace and to giving positive evidence of their commitment to peace in all viable ways… (The International Day of Peace) should be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples."
The Assembly's resolution declared that the International Day of Peace:
"...will serve as a reminder to all peoples that our Organization, with all its limitations, is a living instrument in the service of peace and should serve all of us here within the Organization as a constantly pealing bell reminding us that our permanent commitment, above all interests or differences of any kind, is to peace. May this Peace Day indeed be a day of peace."
In Oklahoma, the observance of the International Day of Peace has grown naturally as a statement of personal and community values. Like redbuds in the springtime, celebrations have blossomed around the state -- independently, organically -- expressing our belief that a more peaceful world is indeed possible.
This year, I have joined an informal group of planners who seek to raise the visibility of these festivities. We want to increase public awareness of the International Day of Peace until it is easily recognized by all Oklahomans as an annual September event -- sort of like the State Fair or the first Friday Night Football game or the first Open House Night at your child's school.
Across our state, we anticipate that the International Day of Peace will be a time for pinwheels (crafted by schoolchildren)Across our state, we anticipate that the International Day of Peace will be a time for pinwheels (cra
We especially want to invite you to register your activity (vigil, concert, program, display, etc.) in the Day of Peace event log
..... Click on the link that says, "Add your 2007 International Day of Peace Event."
In Oklahoma City, we're planning a community-wide event to honor all of the local schoolchildren who will participate in International Day of Peace activities. The details of the event are still taking shape, but I want you to be aware of it now. I hope you'll plan to attend. Bring a friend. Bring your family. Bring your neighbor's family, too.
This year, our celebration of the International Day of Peace should be the best ever -- not because war has been eliminated (or even brought under control), but rather as a remnider that, "...our permanent commitment, above all interests or differences of any kind, is to peace."
September 21st ... Mark your calendar, plan to step out!
OK-Global Community Calendar
Speakers -- Films -- Programs -- Meetings -- Holidays
"A man's true wealth is the good he does in the world."
--Muhammad
