“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” - Albert Einstein

“It is not enough to teach children how to read, write, and count. Education has to cultivate mutual respect for others and the world in which we live, and help people forge more just, inclusive, and peaceful societies”. - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on the 100-day countdown message to the International Day of Peace.

For six years, the Oregon Chapter of WFWP has actively observed the United Nations International Day of Peace on September 21. The International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations in 1981 and declared a permanent holiday in 2002. This year’s observance was held on Sunday, September 25 at the Portland Family Fellowship, in West Linn, Oregon, and featured a Bridge of Peace Ceremony.

The guest speaker was Dr. Richard Lazere, who has been teaching Psychology at Portland Community College for 15 years and is an active member of Veterans for Peace, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and the Wholistic Peace Institute. His message was that we should make every day a peace day, not just once a year. We should stand up for peace and let our voices be heard. He quoted several very influential people to make his point, including the Dali Lama and Dr. Martin Luther King. He stressed that we should make choices that involve a perspective of peace, and train ourselves to be a good example of what we advocate.

His powerful message prepared everyone’s hearts for the Bridge of Peace Ceremony. After a brief break, the emcee introduced Christine Edwards, who gave an introduction of WFWP and the meaning and purpose of the ceremony. She explained that participant pairs represented different religions, races, and cultures and would cross the bridge as a commitment to forging mutual understanding and improving their ongoing relationships. These individuals participate in the reconciliation and peace-making process by crossing an actual bridge while background music plays “Let there be peace on earth.”

Christine announced the division and healing that was represented by each pair as they crossed the bridge; some from different cultures, races, and religions. They bowed in repentance, exchanged roses, and embraced each other in forgiveness. There were 13 pairs who crossed the bridge, representing Japan and America, East and West, Islam and Christianity, African American and European American, older and younger generations, Korean and Japanese, leader and follower, English and Native American, Italian and American, introvert and extrovert, believer and non-believer, Democrat and Republican, nerd and free spirit, listener and talker, and finally, consumer and conservationist. The bridge ceremony reminds us that the power to bring world peace rests in each person's heart. As such, the Bridge of Peace ceremony has brought about a "miracle of heart and soul" in the communities where it has been implemented. The bridge ceremony concluded with everyone forming a big circle and singing together. Afterwards a group photo was taken, and then we shared our new friendship with a meal together.

Around 60 people attended this friendship and peace-building event. The day was a collaborative effort of the Oregon Chapter of WFWP, the Portland Family Fellowship, the FFWPU in Portland, and the Wholistic Peace Institute, founded by local Ambassadors for Peace. Our local WFWP and FFWPU members will continue our commitment to honoring this special day celebrating September 21, the UN International Day of Peace.

The International Day of Peace is celebrated annually on September 21 around the world; and was initially inspired by the Culture of Peace Initiative and Peace One Day, two organizations that have organized global truths and peace initiatives over the years, and have impacted millions of people.

With over 400 organizers registered to hold events across all continents, “UNIFY” has become an opportunity for world cultures to connect as One Voice for Peace with the tagline of “Everyone, Everywhere, Together, Now.” This collaboration welcomes people of every culture, spiritual tradition, and political perspective to join together as one to celebrate and practice peace on this special day.