When is International Day of Peace?
The International Day of Peace occurs annually on September 21.
Some calendars say it's the third Tuesday in September-
What is this holiday about?
"It is dedicated to peace, or specifically the absence of war, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone. It is observed by many nations, political groups, military groups, and peoples."
"To inaugurate the day, the "Peace Bell" is rung at UN Headquarters. The bell is cast from coins donated by children from all continents. It was given as a gift by the Diet of Japan, and is referred to as "a reminder of the human cost of war." The inscription on its side reads: "Long live absolute world peace."
History
1981:
"The United Nations General Assembly declared, in a resolution sponsored by Costa Rica, the third Tuesday of September (the opening day of regular sessions of the General Assembly) as the International Day of Peace devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace."
2001:
"A new resolution was passed by the General Assembly, sponsored by the United Kingdom (giving credit to Peace One Day) and Costa Rica (the sponsors of the original day) to give the Day of Peace a fixed date and declare it as a global ceasefire day."
2005:
"In 2005, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan called for the worldwide observance of a 24-hour cease-fire and day of nonviolence to mark the Day."
2006
"In 2006, then Secretary-General Kofi Annan rang the Peace Bell for the last time during his term in office. That year the UN asserted the "many ways it works for peace and to encourage individuals, groups and communities around the world to contemplate and communicate thoughts and activities on how to achieve peace. The United Kingdom held the primary public and official observation of the United Nations International Day of Peace and Non-Violence in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. This was organised by Peace Parade UK. ""
2007
"In 2007, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon rang the Peace Bell at United Nations Headquarters in New York calling for a 24-hour cessation of hostilities on 21 September, and for a minute of silence to be observed around the world."
2008
"There are thousands of Global Peace Day events each year. Events include Peace Day Comedy in 55 Comedy Clubs, Music concerts, Prayer Vigils, Jane Goodall's Giant Peace Dove flying in over 60 cities, school activities, UN CyberSchoolBus lessons, Pinwheels for Peace and in some cases the military putting down their weapons for the day! Search "Peace Day" for more information. Peace Day events are encouraged by the United Nations' Peace Outreach Program and are held on Peace Day September 21 (and also on the days leading up to Peace Day such as Sept 19th and Sept. 20th this year)."
Note for the UK: There are hundreds of Peace Day Events. Peace Day Comedy is in over 20 Comedy Clubs. Search "Peace Day" for more information.
2008: 50th anniversary of the Peace Sign.
"Recently an Early Day Motion was put forward in the House of Commons recognising the efforts of Peace Parade UK and called on the British Government to formally adopt September 21 as the U.N. International Day of Peace and Non-Violence."
2008 was the year PeaceInOurLiftime.org by Planting Seeds & the Kind Foundation was started, with the goal of 1 billion voices signing up for a peace certificate, creating a shift in global consciousness. A quote from their website: "This banner has been created so one billion people can actually be counted standing together for peace - to see if we can make a real difference in the real world. Why one billion? This figure is more than ten percent of the whole population - which quantum scientists say will create a shift in consciousness."
2009
"As awareness expands ever more rapidly, hundreds of worldwide peace-oriented organizations continue to think globally and act locally."
"In Honoka'a, a small former sugar cane plantation town on Hawaii's Big Island, the 3rd Annual Parade & Festival for the United Nations International Day of Peace takes place September 20 at 12:00 noon HST, featuring eclectic island entertainers such as hula halau, Taiko and Native American drummers, jazz, JaWaiian and rock music. www.PeaceDayParade.org"
"In Colorado, the 3rd Annual Parade & Festival for the United Nations International Day of Peace also takes place September 20 at 12:00 noon MST. They will be flying Peace Doves to celebrate with over 100 other countries and The Jane Goodall Institute's Roots and Shoots Volunteer Groups."
"In 2009, four Rotary World Peace Fellows created www.millionactsofpeace.com to challenge one million people from around the world to commit to doing one act of peace."
"Over 60 Worldwide Comedy Clubs will participate in the 2009 "Stand-Up For International Peace" Peace Day Comedy in recognition of the United Nation's 21 September Peace Day. This event is designed to bring much needed awareness and media attention to Peace Day.'"
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Stamp controversy
"A diplomatic stir occurred in 2004 when Lions Club International sponsored a contest to select a set of posters to be used for commemorative stamps issued by the United Nations. A poster by 13 year-old Taiwanese junior high school student Yang Chih-yuan was announced as one of the winners. However, it was later announced Yang's poster would not be used. Taiwan media reports, Taiwan Lions Club and the government of Taiwan claimed the decision not to use the poster resulted from pressure from China. The government of Taiwan later issued a stamp containing the image. Critics claimed that the rejection of the student's painting on purely political grounds did not reflect the ideals of the International Day of Peace, while the UN issued a statement that "due to an internal misunderstanding and miscommunication, Mr. Yang's proof got publicized in error as one of the six stamps intended to be issued."
See Also:
More Significant September:
• Eid ul-Fitr is here! It's time to celebrate and rejoice in the glory ...
• It's Flower Week. The perfect time to shower your friends/ loved ones/...
• Navratri: Hey! The bells of celebration are ringing again!
• Honey Month (September) Time for you to pamper your sweet tooth...
• Autumn (Sep 22 - Dec 20?) The heaps of Autumn leaves all around whisper that...
• Chocolate Day (Sep-23) Indulge yourself or share delicious chocolates...
• Kiss Day (Sep-24) Time for you to be close to your sweetheart and let your lips...
• Durga Puja (Sep 25 - 28)?
• Durga Puja is the time for fun, feasts and celebration!
• Dussehra (Sep-28) Dussehra celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
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