International Day of Peace

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21st. The UN General Assembly has designated it as a 24-hour period of non-violence and cease-fire.

The 2020 theme is “Shaping Peace Together.” This year, it has been clearer than ever that we are not each other’s enemies. Rather, our common enemy is a tireless virus that threatens our health, security and very way of life. That is why UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for a global ceasefire. But there is also more to peace than putting aside arms.

True peace depends on societies being inclusive, healthy, and economically stable. It requires a predictable climate, an unpolluted environment and solidarity across community lines.

In this new era of social distancing, we may not be able to stand together physically. But there are still things we can do to unite and offer ourselves to the work of peace in our communities and our world. International Day of Peace invites the global community to unite and share thoughts on how to weather this storm, heal our planet and change it for the better. Even though we may not be able to stand next to each other, we can still dream together.

This year, Ted Lyddon Hatten, an artist, theologian, and educator in Central Iowa will create an ephemeral art installation at the Peace Garden. The entire process will be filmed, the last 30 minutes will be livestreamed, accompanied by harpist, Kristin Maahs.