SEPTEMBER 21 is known as World Peace Day. The following information offers details on why it was created and how the world continues to observe it:
• World Peace and Prayer Day — also known as Honoring Sacred Sites Day — was envisioned and brought forth by Chief Looking Horse as a day to join worldwide communities and people of all races, ages, genders, and faiths, who share concern for the welfare of the Earth and humanity. Honoring ceremonies, invocation and prayer are observed in collaboration with local indigenous representatives. Special guest speakers, wisdom keepers and activists of all denominations share spiritual insight and discuss important environmental concerns and cures — on both a local and global level. This profoundly auspicious time is elevated by a cross-cultural celebration of music, dance, and storytelling. Visit worldpeaceandprayerday.com
• The International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations and the first Peace Day was observed in September 1982. In 2001, the General Assembly, by unanimous vote, established September 21 as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire. The United Nations invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace. Visit www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/
• The International Day of Peace, aka “Peace Day,” provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date. 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, sitting in silent meditation, or doing a good deed for someone you do not know. 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, and it does make a difference. Take this opportunity to make peace in your own relationships as well as impact the larger conflicts of our time. Imagine what a whole Day of Ceasefire would mean to humankind. Visit www.internationaldayofpeace.org.
