MAIN Holidays & Observances Peace Day

“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means
by which we arrive at that goal.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

The United Nations' International Day of Peace - marked every year on September 21 - is a global observance when nations, local communities and people everywhere are expected to "give peace a chance".

At least for a day.

Ever since parents first sent their grown children off to battle, peace has been a universal longing. Preaching the golden rule, most world religions are based upon the very concept of it. Through the centuries peace has become the subject of books, plays, poems, songs, and movies.

Is world peace possible? Surely, say the cynics, the world has seemingly always been hard-wired for war. Yet today proponents of peace see another world that is evolving, becoming smaller and more interdependent. Are these changes enough to warrant at least a rethink of peace?

The anti-war movement, born out of the hippie era in the 1960's, has only been one its most recent reincarnations. In 1982, the United Nations took up the banner by declaring an international day of peace.

In 2002, (the year following 9/11), September 21 was finally proclaimed by the UN as the official day that called for a cessation of hostilities for 24 hours in a worldwide global cease-fire.

Will war ever end? Peace philosophers and educators suggest that the only way out is by adhering to a system of mindfulness of our own actions, and teaching children to do the same.

Much like the worldwide green movement that aims to save the planet by way of individual efforts, a worldwide peace movement (if it ever really became universally popular) would begin to ensure our own human survival.

How to celebrate Peace Day

Anyone, anywhere can celebrate Peace Day. Traditionally, millions around the world are called upon to observe a moment of silence at noon on Peace Day or light a candle to show their support.

• Individually, we can also simply talk about the day's significance with friends and family, or reach out to co-workers, local organizations, newspapers, or even governments to tell them of your support for a Peace Day observance.
  
  
• Download songs about peace to play on Peace Day, watch movies about war and peace, or read books about peace with your children.
  
  
• In the classroom, teachers can lead students in skits, crafts projects, or lesson plans that help commemorate the day.

More about Peace Day around the Web:

Around the Web, find out more about Peace Day at top sites offering more information on personal participation, tips on educational resources and classroom activities, along with multimedia presentations, photo galleries, quotes, poems, song lists and related resources promoting the idea of peace and understanding around the world.

International Day of Peace - The official UN site with information on the its history with tips on personal involvement and suggestions on planning a local event, with download materials, related news and updates.

Peace One Day.org - Official site of filmmaker Jeremy Gilley and his documentary film Peace One Day along with the organization's efforts on behalf of International Peace Day. including tips on hosting events and classroom activities, related photo galleries.

International Day of Peace - Wikipedia - Timeline of the first observances by the UN and other world organizations with an overview of local observances celebrated around the world, and related references and resources.

Teacher Planet: Peace Day Theme Page - A treasure trove of ideas and lesson plans for classroom use including coloring pages, arts & crafts activities, and related resources.

Peace, Love and Understanding: 20 Songs to Ring In the International Day of Peace - A list of traditional pop hits, anti-war anthems and protest songs especially selected for Peace Day.

Peace Quotes - Traditional proverbs, sayings, and famous quotes appropriate to the day including those by Mahatma Ghandi, Jimi Hendrix, George Bernard Shaw, John Lennon, Ben Franklin and dozens more.

also see in Holidays & Observances -> Mother's Peace Day

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