9/21-Peace Day Celebration in Black Rock, Connecticut-USA

September 21, 2015

More than 200 students from Black Rock and St. Ann School (K-8), along with administrators, teachers, and aides, gathered around the Peace Pole at St. Ann School on Monday, September 21st to celebrate the International Day of Peace.

Students read proclamations from both the Governor and the Mayor of Bridgeport that declared Monday, September 21st to be Peace Day in Bridgeport and the State of Connecticut.

US Senator, Chris Murphy sent a letter of appreciation to each school, and Connecticut Representative, Steven Stafstrom spoke to everyone about the importance of being a peacemaker in our homes and communities. Students from both schools read their peace poems, students from Black Rock showed everyone how to “sign” May Peace Prevail on Earth, and St. Ann School students sang the beautiful peace song “May All Children.”

Everyone present took a peace pledge: “I promise not to water or feed the seed of violence within me.” (Thich Nhat Hanh)
The students had been working from the very first day of school to prepare for the peace day celebration making peace posters, peace flags, and beautifully decorated peace letters, along with learning how to “sign” and to sing the peace song.

These preparations were a part of discussions and lessons on peace and justice that will continue throughout the year. In addition, poems written for the celebration will be submitted to the annual Peace Poems contest held by Fairfield University in November.