Sept 21 World Peace Day

ESRA E. KARAOSMANOĞLU BAYAR

To inaugurate the day of Sept. 21 of each year, a bell with the “Long live absolute world peace!” inscription thereon, is run at the United Nations’ Headquarters. The bell is cast from coins donated by children from all continents, and was a gift from Japan, as a reminder of the human cost of war.

On Sept. 25, 2005, former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan stated the following:  “World Peace Day is the day on which all countries, and humans all around the world, are called for a day of non-violence and for the observance of a 24-hour global cease-fire. And this is the day where a moment of silence is respected in all countries at 12 p.m. local time.”

Likewise in the past years, this year a “moment of silence for the peace ideal” shall be respected on Sept. 21, all around the world. All pacifists of Turkey are encouraged to attend the symbolic event this Sunday.  

Especially in this political region, peace has never been such a dire necessity. Literature is needed to raise comprehension and promote peace, but this is far from being sufficient. There is a must for a versatile conversation.

Whereas World Peace Day is marked on Sept. 21 in all other areas, commemorative ceremonies are held in Turkey on Sept. 1 each year. Certainly, this divergence prevents commemorative events in Turkey from having effects abroad. We would hope that on Sept. 21, 2015, ceremonies will be held concurrently in Turkey and around the world.

*Esra E. Karaosmanoğlu Bayar is the chair of PEN Writers for the Peace Committee WfPC.