Universal Dances of Peace. This photo is from an older Plowshare’s Peace in the Park celebration for the International Day of Peace in 2015. (It represents the community spirit Plowshare wants to foster… It’s hard to hate different people when you get to know them.)

You are invited to recognize the International Day of Peace every September.

The United Nations International Day of Peace is celebrated on September 21 each year to recognize the efforts of those who have worked to end conflict and promote peace. The International Day of Peace is also a day of ceasefire – personal or political.

What do people do?
On the International Day of Peace, also known as Peace Day, people around the World take part in various activities and organized events centered on the theme “peace”.  Events vary from private gatherings to public concerts and forums involving large audiences.

Public life
The UN’s International Day of Peace is a global observance and not a public holiday. It is a day when nations around the World are invited to honor a cessation of hostilities during the day.

Background
A UN resolution established the International Day of Peace in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the UN General Assembly. The first Peace Day was celebrated in 1982 and was held on the third Tuesday of September each year until 2002, when September 21 became the permanent date for the International Day of Peace. The assembly decided in 2001 that the International Day of Peace should be annually observed on September 21 starting from 2002. By setting a fixed date for the International Day of Peace, the assembly declared that the day should be observed as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence.

By creating the International Day of Peace, the UN devoted itself to Worldwide peace and encouraged people to Work in cooperation for this goal. Since its inception, Peace Day has marked personal and planetary progress toward peace. It has grown to include millions of people Worldwide and many events are organized each year to commemorate and celebrate this day.

Symbols
The peace dove flying with an olive branch in its beak is one of the most commonly featured symbols for the day. In Judaism, Christianity, and Islam a white dove is generally a sign for peace. The dove can also represent “hope for peace” or a peace offering from one person to another, hence the phrase “to extend an olive branch”.  Often, the dove is represented as still in flight to remind people of its role as messenger.

Plowshare Peace and Justice Center is committed to the creation of a just world by connecting with our local community. We are peace facilitators and social justice advocates who nurture educational opportunities that engage and inspire actions for a culture of peace. And we hope you’ll consider joining with us. We know your spare time is valuable, and maybe scarce, too. But whether your help is big or small, please know that every effort is appreciated.