For so many people all over the world, peace is a dream that seems so
farfetched but can be attained only if all took a chance to save it.
The International Day of Peace is one that is organized in dedication to
the absence of war and the cease-fire of all battles going on. Men and
women in battle want to have freedom and peace, and to this day, this
annual celebration is a commemoration of the dream of attaining serenity
and unity for all. Here are ten facts about the International Day of
Peace, or simply referred to by many as Peace Day.
10. September 21, 1982
The founding date of the first ever Day of Peace was September 21,
and it was in 1982 that it was first celebrated. A year before, the
United Nations General Assembly declared the third Tuesday of September
to be that day devoted to the ideals and dreams of peace. The resolution
was jointly sponsored by Costa Rica and the United Kingdom.
9. September 21, 2002
It was in 2002 that the actual date of September 21 was formalized to
be the actual date of celebration and no longer the third Tuesday. This
was in honor of the first date the celebration was held. However, in
1999, prior to the declaration, there was the Peace One Day launching
that was held in Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, which was an event that
was largely ignored and went unnoticed by the international and local
press.
8. Global Cease-Fire
September 21 is also the day of the international and global
ceasefire, and it where nations all over the world are highly encouraged
to lay down their arms in the spirit of peace and disarmament. The
Global Ceasefire is one where hope seems to have been fostered back in
the hearts of many that there is still a reality of global peace. This
cessation of fire and battle will often be a way for relief workers to
reach civilians and the innocents of war.
7. Annual Celebrations of 192 UN
In 2010, 192 UN nations all over the world and around 28
organizations got involved in the annual celebration. This global
recognition of the day encouraged people all over the world to
participate and help the humanitarian efforts in their goal to achieve a
global desire to have peace.
6. Health and Education Focus on Peace Day
World Peace Day is one that helps people recognize the truth that
around billions of US dollars are spent in armaments for defenses and
armory. However, statistics have shown that only $11 billion is spent on
basic health and nutrition and $3 billion on primary schooling. The Day
of Peace intends to make this a focus to countries all over the world
who puts too much focus on arming their people rather than giving them
education and health.
5. Different Celebrations around the World
Every year, participants all over the world have crafted their own
events to celebrate the occasion. Among the most popular ways for the
people to showcase their involvement is through peace ceremonies, choir
singings, picnics for peace, concerts, walks for peace, and candle
lighting ceremonies. While these are merely small-scale events, it is
highly encouraged by the United Nations they participate in the event.
4. Roots and Shoots
The Roots and Shoots are one of the most active participants in the
international event. Young people who are active in the event are those
that create dove puppets that will be formed and re-used for flying in
the communities to showcase their desire for world peace.
3. White Dove
The symbol of the white dove with an olive branch on its beak is one
of the most recognized during this day. All religions such as Catholics,
Jews, Christians, and Islam all recognize the bird as the symbol of
peace. It is on that day that this bird will often be seen in various
settings all over. It represents this hope for peace and its ability to
fly as a messenger for world peace.
2. Growing Celebration of Peace Day
Since the inception and celebration of the Day of Peace, it has
marked a progress in the world that has involved millions all over.
Every year, the celebrations are growing, and the events planned and
hosted are not actually obligatory, but it is one event that is a high
profile one. The date of September 21 is not a public holiday, but it is
definitely a holiday celebrated on all fronts by millions of people who
wants to have world peace.
1. Peace Bell
On the day of the celebration, the event is inaugurated by the
ringing of the Peace Bell, which is located at the United Nations
Headquarters in New York. This bell is one made from coins from children
all over the world, and thus, represents the children’s dreams of
gaining peace in their own lifetime. The bell was a gift of the United
Nations Association of Japan, which serves a reminder of the costs of
war. An inscription is written on it, and goes like “Long Live Absolute
World Peace”.
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