GLOBAL MINUTE FOR PEACE DAY

The first Minute for Peace, was observed globally by people of every creed and culture. We urge world leaders to speak out for this event. This will result in new hope and a new beginning for the whole human family.
Minute for Peace Day occurs at the time of the Winter Solstice (in the northern hemisphere). In ancient history the Winter Solstice was a time for rejoicing. The days before that, kept getting shorter. There was fear this would continue and leave the world in darkness. But on the December Solstice the days started getting longer. Now people knew the dead leaves on the trees would yield their place to new leaves in the Spring.
On this great day of opportunity a new faith, hope and love can replace the dead leaves of the past and inspire cooperation for our common good. Together we can provide a new beginning for the human family -- a time to forgive, forget and start anew.
A Minute for Peace exhibit at the 1965 Worlds Fair increased interest and resulted in daily Minute for Peace broadcasts on many radio stations. These featured the ringing of the UN Peace Bell, a statement by a world leader about ways to foster peace and understanding. This was followed by a request that listeners add their prayer and commitment to help foster peaceful progress on our planet.
To obtain maximum unity in participation, the time designated was 0300, 1100, and 1900 GMT. Stations could progam any one as their Minute For Peace and know they were aiding a global turn toward peace..
The idea of Minute for Peace became popular and played a role in ending the war between Pakistan and India in 1966. United Nations Delegates from both sides publicly joined in silent prayer as they were asked to meditate on peace and good will with determination to overcome hatred and injury with the power and benefit of reconciliation and cooperation. That night, in a UN Security Council special meeting, they declared peace.
Minute for Peace became the centerpiece of Earth Day, when we invite people World-Wide to join in two minutes of silent prayer or reflection as the Peace Bell at the United Nations is rung to celebrate the beginning of Spring.
Peace begins in the mind. The repeated participation by friends and adversaries, in heartfelt thoughts and silent prayers for peace when the Peace Bell was rung each year on Earth Day, helped end the Cold War.
Spread the word to every church, synagogue, mosque and school and let people everywhere know of this opportunity to tap the best of their religious values; to join hearts and minds in loving faith that wherever there is hate, fear or conflict, peace will prevail. Together we can make the new millennium a new and better future for the human adventure.
A call by world leaders and heads of government could persuade TV networks and others to promote Minute for Peace Day -- followed by a daily Minute for Peace all over the world