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.

Countdown to International Day of Peace
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
Where Did That Peace Symbol Come From?
Peace Day Activities
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
Take a Vow of Nonviolence
Deepak Chopra's Story About How The Vow of Nonviolence Began
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
“Civil strife erupts where resources are scarcest...
Heifer.org”
Organizations Promoting Peace
My Organizations

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.
Imagine Peace Squidoo Headquarters
People Promoting Peace
Jeannette Rankin: A Role Model for Politicians
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?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes. 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.
Posted January 07, 2009
jeffwend says:
What would have happened if every American and Brit decided not to fight in world war 2 like Jeanette Rankin did?
Posted September 13, 2008
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?
Posted September 13, 2008
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.
Posted September 12, 2010
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?
Posted September 10, 2010
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.
Posted September 10, 2010
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
Posted September 09, 2009
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.
Posted December 15, 2008
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!
Posted September 24, 2008
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.
Posted September 14, 2008
RinchenChodron says:
I'd like to invite you to join my group Activists Sound Off.
Posted September 13, 2008
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.
Posted September 13, 2008
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
Speak Your Peace
Imagine...
Nobel Peace Prize Winners
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, ...
BE the peace you want to see in the world.
How Are You Standing For Peace?
Share your own stories, prayers and wishes of attaining peace locally or globally.
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MarisaAngelis
Sep 12, 2011 @ 8:16 am | delete
- Peace! Best wishes :)
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Jewelsofawe
Sep 12, 2011 @ 12:42 am | delete
- Lovely! May we see peace manifest upon this Earth through us!! Blessed!
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JaguarJulie
Dec 16, 2010 @ 9:50 am | delete
- Well, I try to do my best to be peace-loving and peace-full ... I think we need to give peace a chance each and every day of the year!
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awakeningwellness
Sep 12, 2010 @ 4:26 pm | delete
- Wonderful lens on an important subject!
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RinchenChodron
Sep 10, 2010 @ 2:49 pm | delete
- Thanks for the reminder about the "a href="http://www.squidoo.com/Time-for-peace" target=new>Day of Peace. I think this is a GREAT lens!
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ShirlW
Sep 10, 2010 @ 2:08 pm | delete
- I pray for peace daily - not just to eliminate wars, but to create peace at every level from eliminating war to loving our neighbors to peace within our own hearts and minds. Lensrolled to End Racism & Peace Sign Pendants.
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jptanabe
Sep 10, 2010 @ 11:48 am | delete
- Yes, let's be the peace we want to see in the world.
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andreaberrios
Sep 11, 2009 @ 9:14 pm | delete
- Nice lens, congrats on your purple star!
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JenOfChicago
Sep 9, 2009 @ 3:25 pm | delete
- Great lens!
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WindyWinters
Sep 9, 2009 @ 3:11 pm | delete
- Congratulations on your Purple Star! :)
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mysticmama
Sep 9, 2009 @ 2:49 pm | delete
- Wonderful lens... unfortunately, I just don't have enough faith in the human species to believe we will achieve World peace before we destroy ourselves.
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RinchenChodron
Sep 7, 2009 @ 5:35 pm | delete
- Hi - I'm lensrolling this lens to mine at Time for Peace
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OhMe
Sep 7, 2009 @ 4:15 am | delete
- Very well done with a lot of interesting reader interaction.
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brl
Mar 7, 2009 @ 5:34 am | delete
- Very nice lens! (five stars to you!)
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kab
Jan 13, 2009 @ 11:26 pm | delete
- Congratulations on becoming a Giant!
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kab
Jan 13, 2009 @ 11:26 pm | delete
- Congratulations on becoming a Giant!
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Evelyn_Saenz Dec 15, 2008 @ 2:19 pm | delete
- Peace will come and let it begin with me.
Lensrolled to Pete Seeger: The Power of Song.
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poutine
Nov 20, 2008 @ 1:48 pm | delete
- Peace sister.
Poutine
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CrypticFragments
Sep 24, 2008 @ 4:08 pm | delete
- I love that you published this! I have a lens which I hope will help educate and bring people closer together at Islam for non-Muslims
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TXT 4 PEACE: International Day of Peace 2008
Sep 18, 2008 @ 9:18 pm | delete
- Dear Friends,
It is only a few more days until the International Day of Peace on Sunday, 21 September!
CNN's iReport, a news-oriented kind of youtube, just launched a special page for the International Day of Peace - http://www.ireport.com/dayofpeace! Just get registered and put your calls for world leaders and personal peace stories in videos, photos and texts online to everyone to see. We would love to know about what YOU think and do for peace! And if you are lucky, your story will be broadcasted by CNN.
Our TXT 4 PEACE campaign is getting bigger and bigger. We have received several hundred messages so far. Have a look at http://www.peaceday2008.org! Thanks so much for that!
Please keep sending your text messages to world leaders with the word 'PEACE' and then your message to 69866 (in the US only) or send an online message from http://www.peaceday2008.org! We are trying to receive 10.000 text messages and many more online messages by Sunday, 21 September! So please help us to s
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spirituality
Sep 15, 2008 @ 9:12 am | delete
- great lens :)
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RinchenChodron
Sep 13, 2008 @ 6:04 pm | delete
- I support peace by meditating first - to reach peace within. I am also a member of iPeace social network - please join me.
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Jewelsofawe
Sep 13, 2008 @ 12:10 am | delete
- I love this lens. Very cool!
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ThomasC
Sep 12, 2008 @ 11:11 pm | delete
- Outstanding Lens! You got a well deserved Angel Blessing!
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ThomasC
Sep 12, 2008 @ 11:11 pm | delete
- Outstanding Lens! You got a well deserved Angel Blessing!
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by Ener-G
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