International Day of Peace proposal of a Peace Pole, Toronto-CANADA
By Chris Houston
Amidst the arms races between the global superpowers in the 1980s, Dr. Young Seek Choue of South Korea proposed the idea of a day for peace. The day has been commemorated annually on Sept. 21 since 1981.
Bancroft council has declared Sept. 21 as Peace Day in the Town of Bancroft. The City of Toronto has made a similar proclamation for the same day. We hope to hear from council soon if they approval our request to install a Peace Pole in Bancroft.
Peace Poles display the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages. In 1955, in Japan Masahisa Goi had the idea for a Peace Pole. Today there are over 200,000 Peace Poles throughout the world in almost 200 countries.
The CN Tower and Niagara Falls have both agreed to our request to illuminate on Peace Day. The CN Tower will be lit in rainbow colors to symbolize peace. The lighting will begin at sunset, becoming fully visible approximately 30 minutes later as the sky darkens. A standard light show will run for five minutes at the top of every hour, followed by another light show on the half hour.
At 10:30 p.m. on the same evening, Niagara Falls will be illuminated in the Canadian Peace Museum’s colours of pink, white, and purple. This vibrant display is a visual representation of peace and the museum’s mission to promote non-violence and understanding across communities.
We invite other municipalities to proclaim the day one of peace and we invite other landmarks to illuminate to promote peace.
Stories of Peace Award
The Canadian Peace Museum has launched the Stories of Peace award for 2024. We have invited people to submit short videos and pictures of their visual art answering the question “What does peace mean to you?”
There is no correct answer. Peace can mean an end to war, tranquility in nature, an inclusive society with a strong democracy, or, as one of last year’s winners said “no bullying.” Well said, Birds Creek Beavers, we agree!
We invite video submissions via social media channels. Videos should be 60 seconds or less. Art made to answer the question of “What does Peace Mean to you?” can be photographed and shared on social media. Tag the museum and use the hashtag #StoriesOfPeace2024.
The deadline for submission is International Day of Peace on the Sept. 21. For more information check out our website: https://canadianpeacemuseum.ca/awards for full rules and some of the top videos from last year.
A custom trophy has been made by local craftsman Matt Peshal. Matt used upcycled maple to make this year’s trophy, which incorporates the peace symbol. A $500 prize has been donated by restaurant chain Loaded Pierogi.
An award ceremony will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Village Playhouse in Bancroft on Sept. 24. Entry is free and all are welcome. There will be music and art and screenings of the best videos.
The Canadian Peace Museum encourages everyone in Canada to submit an entry. We also seek more sponsors for the event, door prizes, and would be delighted to hear from any musicians who would like to perform.