Give Peace a Chance
PEACE
Norwalk Hour
Jordan Zappala
Boston University Washington News Service
9/18/08
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 — The United Nations International Day of Peace – an annual practice of global non-violence and ceasefire celebrated around the world – will be observed on Sunday.
This year’s celebration will begin Sunday morning when U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon rings the Peace Bell at United Nations Headquarters in New York City. He will be joined at the ceremony by several U.N. messengers of peace – celebrity ambassadors such as George Clooney, Jane Goodall and Yo-Yo Ma – who have been chosen to promote the work of the U.N. Ki-moon has called for a 24-hour cessation of all hostile action, and for a minute of silence to be observed across the world at noon local time.
Over the past few decades, more and more organizations – both national and international – have joined the call of the U.N. The day has grown to include hundreds of thousands of participants who show their commitment to peace through diverse and imaginative means ranging from dance parties to silent vigils.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell issued a proclamation accepting Sept. 21 as the International Day of Peace in Connecticut.
“I urge all citizens to use this day as an opportunity to make peace a reality in our homes, our communities and between all nations,” she wrote.
Many events will be taking place in southern Connecticut and New York in honor of the 26th International Day of Peace. Here are a few:
Bridgeport
Peace Vigil at Black Rock Elementary School. Students and community members will rededicate the red cedar peace pole installed during last year’s day of peace. 545 Brewster St. Monday at 1:45 p.m. Free.
Shelton and Waterbury
Pinwheels for Peace. Add your pinwheel to the more than 1 million being displayed worldwide. Sunnyside School, 418 River Rd. in Shelton and in Waterbury at the Waterbury Arts Magnet School, 16 S. Elm St. All day on Sunday. Free.
New York City
Stand-Up For International Peace. An evening of laughs in celebration of Day of Peace, Gotham Comedy Club, 208 W. 23rd St. Sunday at 8:30 p.m. $20.
Yoga for Peace. As part of a global yoga practice on Sunday, join an estimated 1,000 fellow yogis on the Center Lawn of Battery Park for 108 sun salutations and Kirtan chanting by Anjula. Sunday at noon. $25.
Kirtan Concert by Krishna Das. Special guest speakers Lady Ruth, Dharma Mitra and Swami Ramananda. Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew, 86th Street and West End Avenue. Sunday at 6 p.m. $15.
