The Interfaith Roundtable of Kauai is inviting the public and all faith groups to observe Hawaii Peace Day and the United Nations International Day of Peace on Sunday. Hawaii was the first state in the nation to officially commemorate Peace
The Interfaith Roundtable of Kauai is inviting the public and all faith groups to observe Hawaii Peace Day and the United Nations International Day of Peace on Sunday.
Hawaii was the first state in the nation to officially commemorate Peace Day in 2007. It was planned to coincide with the UN International Day of Peace and has continued as the Interfaith Roundtable’s annual celebration of peace every year since.
“Celebrating the International Day of Peace on Kauai means joining with others as one community to pray for peace: peace in your relationships, peace in your home, your community, our island, our state, nation and the world. It means demonstrating peace through acts of kindness, sharing food, prayer, and song,” said Interfaith Roundtable Chairperson Jeffrey Pears.
Places of worship are encouraged to include a prayer for peace in their programs, and to participate in a way that is appropriate for their respective traditions. Examples include activities at noon, from a minute of silence for prayer or meditation, music and bell ringing.
Other faiths hold pujas or indigenous ceremonies. Many try to weave a special theme of peace into that day’s message.
This year the Interfaith Roundtable of Kauai will be sponsoring an outdoor peace event from 4 to 6 p.m. at Lydgate Park.
The event will begin in Sparky’s Garden, with prayers of peace and group singing around the peace pole next to Kamalani playground. There will be musical performances by the Sacred Earth Choir, and the drumming of Joyful Noise Taiko. There will also be Keiki Pinwheels for Peace crafts, a labyrinth, a potluck dinner and more.
Bring the whole family, a dish to share, and chairs or a blanket to sit in comfort.
The spirit of observing International Day of Peace was designated by a 2001 UN resolution that calls for governments, organizations and individuals to honor a day of ceasefire and nonviolence.
“It means a united vision of world peace where all nations, leaders and people will work together to extend a hand to their neighbor, lift them up to their next level of wholeness, and provide them with education and resources to better themselves and their community,” Pears said.
For information visit www.interfaithroundtableofkauai.org or call Jeffrey Pears at 634-9992 or email interfaithroundtablekauai@yahoo.com.
