Peace One Day

You know, it’s amazing.  I never thought about peace or world peace before this year.  I always thought it was such a nebulous idea – one that I only heard about from the Miss America pageant.  But I saw this film one day and it changed my whole outlook.  Peace begins with each and every one of us.  We CAN make a difference.

British filmmaker Jeremy Gillies had a huge vision – to make peace for one day.  Through hard work, dedication, and talking to people all over the world, he got the United Nations to pass a resolution that on one fixed day – September 21^st – the world would recognize the International Day of Peace. His dream was realized on September 7, 2001.  Four days later, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan was going to announce the day to the press and ring the peace bell.  However, as two planes crashed into the World Trade Center, this call to peace was disrupted.  Peace days came and went, but every year more and more is being done and more and more awareness is happening.

Jeremy Gillies in front of a UN plane
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At St. Pius V School, I was able to lead the 4^th graders in learning about Peace One Day.  We watched Jeremy Gillies’ documentary, The Day After Peace.  The film documented Jeremy’s journey of talking to UN representatives, the Dalai Lama, and celebrities like Jude Law, Annie Lenox, and Angelina Jolie.  This was all to build up his vision of creating peace for one day.  He wanted to do the impossible.  He wanted to go into Afghanistan for Peace Day in 2007 and get the fighting forces to agree to a ceasefire for one day.  He didn’t stop at that! He also paired up with the World Health Organization to have doctors and nurses go into those troubled areas of Afghanistan to administer Polio vaccinations to the children.  Not only did he receive a letter from the leader of the Taliban agreeing to a ceasefire, but then thanks to Peace One Day’s efforts, the WHO was able to save lives that day.  Many more life-saving activities took place on Peace Days.

Administering Polio vaccinations in Afghanistan
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Jeremy Gillies of course does not want to stop at that.  He is marking today the 365 day countdown to Global Truce 2012.  He wants the entire world to call a ceasefire on September 21, 2012.  One day where the whole world is not subject to violence.  One day where life-saving activities can occur without fear.  One day of peace.



Jeremy Gillies discussing peace with children in Somalia
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After watching this inspiring film, the 4^th graders took Jeremy Gillies’ challenge (how can you promote peace for one day?) to heart.  They wrote down their peace pledges next to a peace symbol of a dove and posted them around the school.  They also created posters showing how they can promote peace in their home, school, neighborhood, and the world.  The class is also going to stand in the shape of a peace sign in the parking lot today to spread the message of peace to the school. Many students took extra initiative outside of school by telling their friends and family about Peace One Day, hanging posters throughout their neighborhoods, and some have even tried to spread this message of peace by telling people in other countries! 

My 4^th graders have one question for you – how will you celebrate peace day this year?  For more information, please visit http://www.peaceoneday.org/!