The observance of an International Day of Peace began in 1981, originated in the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate September 21st as a period of non-violence and cease-fire. Veterans For Peace want to help popularize International Day of Peace to the point that, in years to come, it becomes part of mainstream culture.
Every year, a different theme is chosen for the International Day of Peace. The theme of 2022’s commemoration is “End racism. Build peace.”
As UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said:
“Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life in every society. It continues to be a driver of persistent inequality. And it continues to deny people their fundamental human rights. It destabilizes societies, undermines democracies, erodes the legitimacy of governments, and… the linkages between racism and gender inequality are unmistakable.”
Veterans For Peace national is asking Veterans For Peace chapters to celebrate the September 21st International Day of Peace by putting on an event or supporting, joining with and promoting current Peace Day efforts underway in your city or town.
International Day of Peace does not mean peace somewhere else. To hold meaning to the average person, it must also mean peace in their communities. As Veterans For Peace, we can help deliver this message and be a leader in promoting and building peace in our communities.
Take Action to Celebrate the International Day of Peace:
- Host a gathering of friends. This can be in a public space, community or at your home. Read the VFP Peace Day Statement. (Download as a PDF).
- Organize a program or discussion around this year’s theme, considering such questions as: What role does racism play in U.S. wars and militarism? How is racism and hate speech dividing people and spurring gun violence—in our nation and in our local communities? What are we doing to challenge and change systemic racism? What does it mean to be an “antiracist”?
- Write a letter to the editor or op-Ed piece. For example, here is a letter that one VFP member wrote in 2015.
- Write a poem or spoken word piece and send to press@veteransforpeace.org so it can be shared online.
Spread the Peace on Social Media September 21st!
- As a veteran, I know that being actively antiracist is integral to #EndRacismBuildPeace @VFPNational #PeaceDay
- When anyone’s human rights are denied, everyone’s rights are undermined, so I will raise my voice to #EndRacismBuildPeace
- Equality, justice and freedom prevent violence and sustain peace. Respect for human rights and dignity for ALL peoples is at the core of building peace. #EndRacismBuildPeace
- There can be no human rights if half the world’s population continues to be held back, discriminated against, ignored, disempowered, marginalized and left behind. #EndRacismBuildPeace
- We must combat racism, xenophobia and hate speech, whenever it happens. #EndRacismBuildPeace
- All human beings without exception are born free and equal in dignity & rights. Say NO to discrimination. #EndRacismBuildPeace
Make sure to tag VFP in your posts! Twitter (@VFPNational), Facebook and Instagram (@VeteransForPeace)