International Day Of Peace

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September 21, 2012: May Peace Prevail On Earth

Established in 1981 by the United Nations, this special day is set aside for all nations and all people to observe a 24 hour cease-fire. In 2001 this day became a fixed day on Fall Equinox.

A tradition for this day is to observe a minute of silence at noon. Find out more about this day and other special events on this lens. Show YOUR commitment to world peace and join in!





I support Heifer International, a global non-profit working to end hunger and poverty and care for the Earth. Hunger and poverty are two of the leading causes of war. I invite you to support them as well.

Click on the Vow badge to take the vow of nonviolence.

At noon spend a moment in silent peace or go hug someone!

Countdown to International Day of Peace

International Day of Peace: September 21, 2012

How Much Do You Know About International Peace Day?

Take a quiz and find out how much you know about International Peace Day!

“Peace is one of humanity's most precious needs. It is also the United Nation's highest calling.”

Peace Day History

All About International Day of Peace

"Twenty-four hours is not a long time. But it is long enough to look over the barricades, or through the barbed wire, to see if there is another path."

Secretary-General Kofi Annan
New York, 21 September 2005


At United Nations Headquarters in New York, International Day of Peace is marked each year with a special ceremony near the Peace Bell.

During the opening ceremony, at noon local time, the President of the Assembly invites the delegates to stand for a minute of silence in observance of the Day.

Dedicate a peace pole, make peace flags, take a moment of silence at noon, text a message or join a concert. One voice, your voice CAN make a difference.

What Is Peace Day?
Read more about the history of this day and United Nations' involvement in fostering acts of peace, globally and locally.
Find or Organize an Event
Events all around the world are scheduled for September 21. Join one or start your own.
Join in via the Internet on Sept 21
Join others from around the world in celebration of this day of peace.
Become a Fan on Facebook!
International Day of Peace has it's own Facebook Fan page.
Peacebuilding
Peace building is different from peacemaking or peacekeeping. Find out more here.
The Peace Flag Project
Based on Tibetan prayer flags that cast their prayers to the winds, the peace flag project fosters making flags that hold people's dreams and wishes. Find out more here.
The Peace Pole Project
"May peace prevail on Earth" is the prayer and mantra used on Peace Day. More than 200,000 peace poles have been planted around the world. Find out more here.
Culture of Peace News Network
The Culture of Peace News Network is THE place to find out what is going on around the world and join in discussions with others. Here you'll find readers exchanging information about events, experiences, books, music, and web news that promote a culture of peace. It's a self-sustaining community with input by its creators including YOU.

The History of the Japanese Peace Bell

The peace bell was a gift to the United Nations by Japan in 1954. It was made by coins from 60 different nations which were collected by children from delegates of the United Nations in 1951.

The Japanese writing on one side says, "Long live world peace."

The bell is tolled on the first day of Spring and International Day of Peace as well as takes part in ceremonies on Earth Day.

Peace Bell Photos

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Where Did That Peace Symbol Come From?

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Peace Day Activities

Hugs for Peace!

Hug it out!
FREE HUGS for WORLD PEACE to be on International Day of Peace, Sep 21
by VincentMarx | video info

45 ratings | 4,046 views
curated content from YouTube

Get Your Kids Involved!

Crayola's got some fun projects

Crayola has some fun coloring projects, e-cards to send, lesson plans, and craft project for International Day of Peace. Keeping it local, they focus on eradicating bullying.

Make a Pinwheel For Peace 

Started in 2005, Pinwheels for Peace is geared toward students. In creating Pinwheels, students write in essay format, haiku or poetry on one side of the pinwheels, expressing their feelings about tolerance, war, and peace. On the other side they create beautiful art.

Last year was a record year as more than 1,200,000 pinwheels were made and "planted" outside schools and other buildings.

Pinwheels For Peace
Get more information here!

“Think Global,
Act Local-One Person Can Make A Difference”

Stand Up For World Peace

Of course, I was looking for something else and came across this video. Very creative...are you standing up?
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Take a Vow of Nonviolence

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Deepak Chopra's Story About How The Vow of Nonviolence Began

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Plant a Peace Pole

Many of the activities planned on Peace Day involve dedicating a Peace Pole and standing in silence for a minute at noon.

There are over 200,000 peace poles in 190 countries. Some of the unique locations of peace poles are:

Confucius grave in Taiwan

North Pole in Canada

Baghdad, Iraq

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Site of 2006 Winter Olympics

Ground Zero in New York

Diamond J Ranch, Ennis Montana


and so many more!

Peace poles are made in metal or wood and come with 4, 6, and 8 sides. Each side has the official prayer/mantra, May peace prevail on Earth. There are a gazillion languages you can choose from to have your mantra printed in...including animal pawprints!

Consider dedicating one in your neighborhood. You can quickly get a desk model peace pole from this link, but otherwise your order will take 4-6 weeks.

We dedicate a Peace Pole at the Diamond J Ranch where I live 

Pledge One Minute of Peace

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“Civil strife erupts where resources are scarcest...
Heifer.org”

Organizations Promoting Peace

My Organizations

My personal organizations promote peace through personal and spiritual growth programs.
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Earth Child Institute

Created by kindred spirit and friend, Donna L. Goodman, Earth Child Institute fosters educational programs for students and teachers with a global, interdisciplinary and multi-cultural perspective on earth challenges.

Cofounder and director of Earth Child Institute, Donna L. Goodman is the author of the U.N. published book of Every Body Counts, Every Drop Counts, a reference book for classroom use about the importance of conserving water from cultural, ecological and basic health viewpoints. Includes fun, interactive exercises, bibliography and other resources.

millionthcircle.org 

Peace One Day

Peace One Day was created in 1999 by filmmaker Jeremy Gilley and was instrumental in promoting the same calendar day each year for Peace Day.

If you want to watch the full story, not only of how the day was created but also how lives were saved in Afghanistan and beyond, purchase your own copy of The Day After Peace featuring Jude Law, Angelina Jolie, the Dalai Lama, Annie Lennox, Kofi Annan and Jonny Lee Miller here.

Peace One Day

Amazon Price: $3.21 (as of 02/17/2012)Buy Now

Imagine Peace Squidoo Headquarters

Wonderful lenses, lensmasters and more information about those dedicated to peacebuilding.
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People Promoting Peace

Jeannette Rankin: A Role Model for Politicians

Jeannette Ranking was the first woman elected to Congress AND was from my home state of Montana. She voted against World War II, even though it ended her career. Read more about this amazing woman who always stayed true to herself.

Jeannette Rankin, America's Conscience

Amazon Price: $7.77 (as of 02/17/2012)Buy Now

Do Mothers Send Their Children To War?

Jeanette Rankin said she could never justify sending someone's children to war. We all need to take this stance, if we want war to end.

Could you send your child to kill or be killed?

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Yes. This planet will always need armies.

kiwisoutback says:

There's just too much going on to say that we don't need armies, and no time in the foreseeable future will we be able to let our guard down by having no army. Costa Rica and Switzerland aren't the big guys, and they're on relative corners of the globe without much influence, so they aren't at the end of much global hatred or attacks like the U.S. is.

jeffwend says:

What would have happened if every American and Brit decided not to fight in world war 2 like Jeanette Rankin did?

jeffwend says:

Cmon, your asking a loaded question. The military does tons of honorable deeds.

Your response for No is idealistic but so unrealistic for todays world. Most of us want peace but what about those who do not want peace and want to dominate and control others? Do you just sit back and let them impose their will on you?

No. It's time for humans to evolve from this form of solving problems.

awakeningwellness says:

We will never have peace if we are focused on war.
There is no place for those old energies anymore.

RinchenChodron says:

That is one reason I have ALWAYS apposed war! We send our kids to do the dirty work. Why not send the elders who have had a chance to live to give their lives?

jptanabe says:

I understand that in the past it was necessary to stand up for what is right against forces of evil. But now I think it's time for humankind to use different ways to overcome differences. It's time to build peace not fight wars.

RebeccaE says:

I can not even think to do that, it seems so inhumane.

mysticmama says:

Only when mankind finally rises above physical violence and war, will we be able to evolve as a species...as long as we use violence to resolve conflicts, we draw nearer to becoming extinct

Evelyn_Saenz says:

I send my children out into the world to promote peace. Nothing can be solved by hurting others. Only by understanding eachother and helping those less fortunate to meet their needs can we prevent war.

CrypticFragments says:

how anyone can support killing for ANY reason is beyond me...there are other ways to handle world crises.
GROW UP, take mature responsible action...educate yourselves and help the world evolve!

Ener-G says:

Wow! I didn't think I would get anyone in the "Yes" column...I'm thrilled! It's hard to hold a peaceful duel if noone disagrees, so thank you jeffwend. Here's my thoughts: Those who don't want peace and want to dominate and control...that would be our American government right? At least in the case of Iraq. Because all of the planet is now so interdependent it shouldn't be hard to peacefully bring about sanctions against an aggressor. Switzerland and Costa Rica do not have armed forces and no one has invaded them...even in World War II.

RinchenChodron says:

I'd like to invite you to join my group Activists Sound Off.

RinchenChodron says:

I really fear my own neighbors who are stupid enough to go out and arm themselves to "protect" themselves. How bout learning tolerance, acceptance, kindness. If we all gave that a try perhaps we could manage to get along. We should try to release our fears and replace them with love.

 

Can One Person Make A Difference In A World Dedicated To War?

Gandhi, Mother Theresa, the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Al Gore, Martin Luther King, Jr...all are individuals who made or who are making a big difference about the way we approach ourselves and our world.

But, if you are a simple citizen, can you make a difference?

The answer is yes. If all you did was to become peace, that would be enough. Gandhi said it best:

"My optimism rests on my belief in the infinite possibilities of the individual to develop non-violence. The more you develop it in your own being, the more infectious it becomes till it overwhelms your surroundings and by and by might oversweep the world."

Find Your Inner Peace

Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life

Amazon Price: $7.91 (as of 02/17/2012)Buy Now

Speak Your Peace

Speaking Peace

Amazon Price: $13.35 (as of 02/17/2012)Buy Now

Imagine...

Immortal words by one of the world's greatest peace activists...killed by a gun.
Imagine Live - John Lennon - 72
by ohshaith | video info

10,785 ratings | 4,013,397 views
curated content from YouTube

Nobel Peace Prize Winners

Some of the best promoters of peace in our time, share their wisdom.
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What Others Have To Say About Peace Day

Would-be bomber gets life sentence in 'day of victory'
By ED WHITE ~ AP DETROIT -- A federal judge ordered life in prison Thursday for a young Nigerian man who turned away from a privileged life and tried to blow up a packed international flight with a bomb concealed in his underwear.
Peace Effort Takes Karzai to Pakistan
On the first day of his three-day visit to Pakistan, Mr. Karzai met with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who promised Pakistani cooperation in investigating the September assassination of the chief Afghan peace negotiator and voiced ...
Women's Issues: WOZA Founders Face Sham Trial
Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu, founders of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), were arrested last September along with ten Woza members, following a peaceful protest to mark the International Day of Peace. After detainment in poor conditions, ...
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