Celebration of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace
The UN mandated that International Day of Peace in 1981, the world’s first day of peace. The UN created a day for all people, not just world leaders, to talk about peace and nonviolence. To create a better world and eliminate violence and war, we need to become a more peaceful people, and this peace needs to come from the citizens of the planet, from each of us. Peace Day celebrations are held all over the world each year on September 21. With our annual observation of this special day, we join our hopes for peace with those of people all over the globe.
“Peace Day is devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples… “
Since its inception, Peace Day has marked our personal and planetary progress toward peace. It has grown to include millions of people in all parts of the world, and each year events are organized to commemorate and celebrate this day. Events range in scale from private gatherings to public concerts and forums where hundreds of thousands of people participate.
Anyone anywhere can celebrate Peace Day. It can be as simple as lighting a candle at noon, or just sitting in silent meditation. Or it can involve getting your co-workers, organization, community or government engaged in a large event. The impact of millions of people in all parts of the world, coming together for one day of peace, is immense.
–From www.internationaldayofpeace.org
Observing the Month of Peace in Providence is an expansion of the Peace Flag Project’s celebrations of the United Nations International Day of Peace events since 2004.
Celebrating the Peace Month is about working to create the Beloved Community and a Culture of Peace in our wonderful communities. A peaceful culture is one that we can create ourselves by how we live our lives each day. The goal is peaceful relationships on all levels. Our focus is on how we live with our families, friends, and community members; what kind of citizens, coworkers and colleagues we are; and, how we educate our children and work for social justice. It’s about being able to live a healthy life with meaningful work, good housing and safe neighborhoods. It’s about affirming our need for artistic expression and appreciation for culture in all its diversity. It’s about how we live on this planet and use its resources. It’s about appreciating the connection of all life physically and spiritually.
Events during September will be special peace events or events occurring during September that are reflective of a peaceful world. A tentative schedule of events is blow. Please check these pages and the specific organizational websites for updates and further details.
All events are free and open to the public.