Peace Day: A Living Instrument of Peace
an article by Louise Diamond

In 1981, the United Nations established the International Day of Peace - one day set aside every year for people from all over the world to focus on 'the celebration and observance of peace.' That day, September 21 every year, is fast approaching.

In its original declaration of this Peace Day, the UN used the phrase 'a living instrument in the service of peace...' A 'living instrument' suggests a tool that is alive to its own potential for effective action; fully aligned with being used in the best possible way, for the highest possible good. To be 'in the service of' means to give one's small will over to a larger goal; to work for; to give one's all to.

Therefore, to be 'a living instrument in the service of peace' I give myself - my skills, my time, my effort and action - to realizing the great vision of peace on earth that we all hold so dear. No single action can fulfill such a vast vision by itself, but the combined acts, over time, of more and more of us can make a huge difference.

A vision without action is empty; action without vision is aimless. A vision celebrated with purposeful action is power-full. We CAN change the world. We CAN shift our society from a culture of violence to a culture of peace. We CAN make peace the organizing principle of our collective presence on this planet; make peace the way we live. We can do this, if each of us will do our part.

There are several wonderful national and international events celebrating Peace Day that you can participate in. Among other things, you might take a Peace Pledge; organize your faith community for a 24-hour prayer/meditation vigil; or encourage local or global leaders to honor a daylong ceasefire from acts of violence. I refer you to the following websites for more information on these and similar activities: www.internationaldayofpeace.org; www.pathwaystopeace.org; www.idpvigil.com; www.worldpeace.org; www.peaceoneday.org; or www.un.org/events/peaceday.

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How are you celebrating Peace Day?


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MAKING AN EFFECTIVE PEACE MOVEMENT

Latest reader comment:

Since 18 september 2001 we are celebrating the International Day of Peace by conducting a vigil for peace at the square in front of the Peace Palace in The Hague.
We have permission for the time between sunrise and sunset, and probably in 2005 will be the first time we will receive permission for a 24 hour vigil.
Realising the key position that our institutions of International Law play and will play in the establishment of a Culture of Peace and Non Violence for the Children of the World, we, the members of "Silence for Peace" feel very priviledged to live so close to the Peace Palace that we can celebrate the International Day of Peace here.
Every year we invite people to join, and bring their prayer, ceremony or silence to melt our energies into one bundle of support for the proces of growing towards a peaceful era, knowing ourselves connected with thousands of people worldwide, doing the same.
At noon we conduct the world peace prayer flag ceremony, and last year was the first year we could burn a ceremonial fire all day long.
Whenever you are in Europe, and even better, in The Netherlands, know yourself to be invited.
MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH

This report was posted on August 30, 2003. The moderator is David.

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