Happy International Day of Peace 2013

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by resolution of the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with its opening session, which was held annually on the third Tuesday of September.

The first Peace Day was observed in September 1982.

In 2001, the General Assembly by unanimous vote adopted a resolution, which established September 21st as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire.

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21st.

The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

The United Nations invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.

My friends and colleagues hosted a Peace Day celebration this evening.  Supported by the Social Action Committee of First Parish in Concord, I was joined by my friends and fellow members of the Massachusetts Campaign for a Department of Peace: Pat Simon (founder) and Alec Walker (board president), Massachusetts State Senator Jamie Eldridge (who spoke about his extremely important Restorative Justice Bill), and Senator Rev. Howard Dana, our newly called Senior Minister at First Parish in Concord. The evening opened with Elaine Sisler leading the Sacred Dance Guild with three chapters joining in the dance demonstration as part of “One Day One Dance” by the Peace One Day movement.  We were joined by Charlotte Firth, producer of Contributions to Earth TV Show based out of BATV, Brookline and also Tom Gale, a producer of SATV, Salem.

I have such deep gratitude for all those who contributed to the success of the evening.  Especially Pat Simon, the driving force behind the Massachusetts Campaign for a Department of Peace.  Her strong faith in Peace combined with the dedicated practice of passionate peace activism that she embodies is something many of us strive to emulate.  It is an honor to work with her and Alec and Jamie and Howard and Elaine on this project.

Collectively, we encourage everyone in attendance to:

Sing for peace, Dance for peace, Stand for peace. 

Sit for peace, Talk for peace, Listen for peace. 

Pray for peace.  Act for peace.

Come together for peace.

Be Peace.

Because….

Peace is the Way.

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