The other night we watched a documentary Peace One Day about Jeremy Gilley and his campaign to gain support from organizations, governments, and the United Nations for an annual one-day global ceasefire. No killing for just one day. It was inspiring.
Due to his efforts, the United Nations planned an event to ring the peace bell -- sadly, maybe ironically ? the morning of September 21, 2001. The presentation had begun, but participants, spectators, and press were evacuated on hearing of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center just a short distance away.
Even, or maybe, especially following such a dramatic and far-reaching act of terror, Jeremy Gilley continued his crusade. As a result, the United Nations has proclaimed September 21 as the day each year to celebrate peace by declaring a ceasefire in all violent conflicts.
The vision is that this small space of time -- one day free of killing -- will lead to intercultural cooperation and global unity. One man persevering won the support of the United Nations and many countries. World Peace is not yet here, but individuals, organizations, and societies can continue the journey toward Peace One Day.
Watching this documentary inspired me to see if other peace projects were underway. I did a quick search and found that the United Nations had previously declared January 1 as a day to celebrate One Day In Peace. That first event was in 2000, the beginning of the International Decade for the Culture of Peace & Nonviolence for the Children of the World. Wow. We are halfway through the decade. It may be too ambitious, but it is a good plan.
Even before that, some high school kids in the mid 90s were challenged with a school project to help students express their passions. The result was more than an educational project when they created The One Day Foundation dedicated to empower young people throughout the world.
I did not find any recent activities for this particular program, but their site referred to the global youth network which is currently active in France, Mexico, and Brazil.
After watching a movie, I took my laptop to bed and did a little research. It took about an hour. About an hour in bed with a laptop. Young people have the energy and the passion needed to continue this struggle. The blogging community is largely inhabited by young people. Some of us older people would like some peace, too. Is there a Peace blog? I would like to think so, but I did not find it.
Tags: world+peace peace blogging weblog vicki's_blog
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2 comments:
I found you by pressing the "next blog" button. Although MS is not an active issue in my life, I find your insight interesting. You're right, you never know where it will hit. Best to know about it from someone who lives with it. I'll be lurking. Thank you.
Thank you for your comment.
Lurkers are welcome. I lurk as well -- I read your blog and web site.
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