Flag Ceremony on the International Day of Peace at the World Peace Sanctuary Saturday, September 21, 2019
The International Day of Peace (IDP) community celebration, held at the Headquarters of May Peace Prevail On Earth International was well attended considering many other festivities occurring in and around our local region on IDP. The peace community came together hand in hand and heart to heart on this special occasion. It was beautiful!
The World Peace Flag Ceremony was held outdoors on the front patio for the comfort and convenience of our elders as well. It was decorated – cheerful and festive. Both versions of the Limited Edition Peace Poles were used to hold-up the bright yellow banner, bearing our message May Peace Prevail On Earth. We then placed the flags in stands on the peripheral, with our signature “Classic White Peace Pole” as the focal point/centerpiece. We invited people to bring an offering to place at the base of the Peace Pole to hold the “energy” during the Ceremony.
Ann Marie Robustelli, MPPOE Int. Executive Assistant, served as MC, welcoming guests and explaining the meaning of IDP and that it is observed around the world on September 21st. The reading of a message from the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres on the theme, Climate Action for Peace followed. Concluding with describing our participation at the United Nations on the previous day as well as other locations for this Day of Peace.
We opened the World Peace Flag Ceremony with a Native American, ”blessings to the four-directions” invocation led by Tonya Shumatoff, which included the burning of tobacco and the blowing of a conch shell horn by Echo. Dana Hawksister concluded with soft drumming. It was powerful.
Cristina Reyes-Schleifer rung the Sanctuary Peace Gong to begin the World Peace Flag Ceremony.
Ann Marie then introduced MPPOE Int. Peace Representatives, Pamela Beasley and Channa Abel as Voice Leaders to lead the World Peace Flag Ceremony. Flag bearers lined up in a semi-circle. Betty Snyder, handed the “flag bearers” their flag cards as they proceeded into a traditional style Flag Ceremony.
Everyone proceeded indoors to share the delicious international cuisine prepared by guests and staff.
As an encore, guests participated in ringing the peace bells in unison with all singing in chorus, “ Let There Be Peace on Earth.” The bells and orchestration was provided by Doug Martin-Sturomski of the Peace Bell Foundation. Ann Marie shared information regarding activities & workshops offered at the World Peace Sanctuary and guests shared as well.
We closed the Ceremony with a reading from the booklet, “Gratitude for All Life on Earth ” led by Pamela Beasley. Ann Marie shared information regarding activities & workshops offered at the World Peace Sanctuary and guests shared as well.
First time guests were in awe of the Flag Ceremony, the Sanctuary office and grounds including the Labyrinth in the Sacred Grove and Peace Path leading to the Ceremonial Field. The guests were from the NY Region: Manhattan, Astoria, Queens, Brooklyn, Monroe, Dover Plains, Amenia, Wassaic, Pawling, as well as from the Connecticut Region: Danbury, Sharon, Lakeville and Kent.
May Peace Prevail On Earth