by United Nations and People Everywhere –

http://www.idpvigil.org

The International Day of Peace was first celebrated on the opening day of the General Assembly sessions beginning in 1982. This body began its annual work with a Minute of Silence for Peace. Since the opening date shifted each year, the IDP date changed as well. September 21 became the annual date for the International Day of Peace beginning last year. Join us in making this year’s observation the biggest and best ever!

The Minute of Silence, suggested for noon in each time zone, can be incorporated by people everywhere. To quote from the wisdom of the late Grandfather Harry Bird, “A heartfelt prayer is more powerful than an atomic bomb.” Since this event falls on a Sunday, a mention in church bulletins, a special passing of the peace or a time of shared silence dedicated to creating peace can easily be incorporated into services. The International Day of Peace Vigil encourages local spiritual activities, .

A Minute of Silence at noon followed by a shared, “May Peace Prevail on Earth” is one way that schools around the world are participating. Planting Peace Gardens, food drives, art or essay contests are a few additional ways schools can participate.

For those living in the SF Bay Area, there will be a very special Celebration in San Francisco on Sunday at Union Square, from 1 to 3 PM. The event showcases some of the Bay Area’s top world music groups including Ancient Future, the Snake Band, and the Nigerian Brothers. It will also feature a performance by the Presidio Children’s Dance Theater and the folk rock group United Soul. The event will include an outdoor art exhibit by the Artists’ Guild of S.F., from 9 AM to 5:30 PM. And, the event is FREE, produced by Unity Foundation

For those living in the NY area, you may want to come to the World Peace Festival in Amenia, NY. . The festival is full of activities and music with the focus on the World Peace Flag Ceremony to pray for peace in every country in the world.

We hope that you will embrace this Day and add to the observance. Visit for proclamations to involve your community, additional ideas and ways to register your participation.

May Peace Prevail on Earth, and in your Heart!

Joanie Misrack, Co-founder, Pathways To Peace. http://www.pathwaystopeace.org