This holiday has been celebrated since 1984 by the United Nations. It starts with the ringing of a bell Made by small coins donated from children around the world. The coinss were melted down to form the peace bell.
Many countries display peace poles. Introduced in Japan in 1955, The monument pole displays the quote, “May peace prevail on earth,” in the language of the country. Along with the original quote, the message is printed in twelve to fifteen other languages.
My daughter’s elementary school constructed a peace pole on their playground. The art teacher had the students make and paint tiles to decorate the pole. They were mortared on a wooden pole in the middle of the play area. The purpose was to direct students to the pole when conflicts occured on the play ground. The act of interrupting the conflict to take time out to walk to the pole cooled tempers and helped resolve differences.
People have made origami peace doves and distributed them on this day. They are a reminder to resolve conflicts and live in peace with each other.
In the past, the United Nations has called for cease fires for this day. The theme for this year’s peace day is, “Shaping peace together.” The emphasis is to resolve conflict in each person’s life.
What will you choose to do on this day? Is there a dispute with a family member or an acquaintance? Giving out folded paper doves is a nice start but will you give a listening ear? Will you try to see another’s point of view.
We don’t have to agree, but we do need to work to live in peace. Go spread the word. Peace be with you.
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Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father, brothers and sisters are we.
Let us walk with each other, in perfect harmony .
Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, let this be my final vow.
To take each moment and live each moment, in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth. and let it begin with me.
Written in1955 by Jill Jackson Liller and Sid Miller
Carolaspot@aol.com
copyright 9/21/2021
traveling up and down the blind highway 