International Day of Peace

The International Day of Peace, observed each year on 21 September, is a global call for ceasefire and non-violence. It was established by the UN General Assembly in 1981 as a day for “commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace within and among all nations and people”.

On this International Day of Peace 2009, the United Nations Secretary-General is "calling on governments and citizens to focus on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation", yet it seems entirely appropriate to also remember the words of leaders and great thinkers, who offered the following insight on the nature of peace:

“Peace is more than just the absence of war. True peace is justice, true peace is freedom. And true peace dictates the recognition of human rights.” --Ronald Reagan

“Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.” --Albert Einstein

Please make yourself heard. Everyone can take action by signing a Declaration to support the Secretary-General’s drive to rid the world of nuclear weapons, and by submitting their own reasons why We Must Disarm here. Join your words to those of your brothers and sisters from around the world.

I don't typically get preachy -- those of you who know me IRL know that to be true. But this is one of those "calendar holidays" that I just can't ignore. Peace is such an easy thing to achieve, when you think about it.

All it takes is for each person to treat everyone (s)he encounters with decency and respect.

I probably won't see it during my lifetime, but I fervently hope that my grandchildren don't have to know the horrors of an Iraq or Afghanistan or Vietnam or 9/11.

~ Hath