FLORIDA,
USA
(2004
World Peace Prayer Society Report)
Gainesville
Gainesville Monthly Meeting (Society of Friends)
International Day of Peace Commemoration
9/21- 6:30 PEACE POLE
DEDICATION. Our Meeting will rededicate
the Peace Pole at a Peace Social to be held at the meetinghouse on
Tuesday, September 21 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This day was chosen since
it has been declared International Day of Peace by a United Nations
resolution.
Karen Porter will tell us
some of the history of a Day of World Peace. Eve McMaster will give
a prayer. To celebrate the international character of our community,
we will be inviting individuals to recite May peace prevail on earth
in many different languages, and the group will respond with the prayer
in English. Annie McPherson will lead us in song, and we will close
the formal part of the celebration with the lighting of candles. Then
we will have social time with dessert and coffee.
Children are welcome. Those so led may choose to
invite an international student, colleague or friend to their home
for a quick supper before bringing them to the Peace Social and dessert.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
May Peace Prevail on
Earth. These simple words are a prayer, a vision and
a powerful tool for healing ourselves and our planet. People all over
the world are taking these words into their hearts, joining in a thoughtwave
of light and love that is growing brighter every day.
The prayer for world peace was the inspiration
of a Japanese poet and philosopher named Masahisa Goi (1916-1980).
After witnessing the terrible destruction of the Second World War,
Mr. Goi searched for a way to bring people together in our common
desire for peace. May Peace Prevail on Earth came to him
as a universal prayer that transcends all divisions of nationality,
religion, race or culture.
There are more than 250,000 Peace Poles in 180
countries around the world. Most of them are 4-sided pillars about
7 feet high proclaiming, "May Peace Prevail on Earth," in
different languages. The Peace Pole dedication ceremony brings the
community together in celebration, and then the Peace Pole remains
to link earth and sky in silent vigil for peace on earth, part of
a great network spanning the globe.
Contributed
by Jean Larson
Sarasota
Yesterday [Sept. 21] in Sarasota, Florida we had a lovely World
Peace Prayer Ceremony with over 35 people attending. In addition,
I offered free yoga classes throughout the day to cultivate "individual
peace." We also had live music with Elaine Silver and Jay
Littlehawk, singing peace songs. Each person left uplifted and
united in the spirit of PEACE.
In addition, last Saturday, September 18, I participated In EarthDance
2004, a large gathering of people participated to celebrate peace
with music, prayers, dancing, and other joyful and peaceful activities
including blessings, yoga & massage. I led World Peace Prayer
Ceremonies throughout the day. The children especially seemed
to enjoy the ceremonies and playing with the flags from all the countries.
Blessings, love and light,
Harmony Ananda
World Peace Prayer Society Representative
2004
World Peace Prayer Society Compilation
PICTORAL
ARCHIVE OF PREVIOUS PEACE DAY EVENTS
May
Peace Prevail
On Earth
