International Day of Peace

Cambodia peace day

A young woman speaks during Peace Day activities in Kampong Chhnang Town, Cambodia.

The legacy of decades of civil war will not disappear in one day.

But for nearly two thousand Cambodians who gathered to celebrate the International Day of Peace, this one day is an important reminder to never stop working for peace.

Letting loose peace balloons and joining in peace marches in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh and in seven other provinces, attendees heard speeches about peace from different religious perspectives and participated in meditation.

Peace Is Power Giant Puppet Parade

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In celebration of the International Day of Peace, the AFSC New Orleans Peace Project organized a Peace Is Power Giant Puppet Parade. A variety of community groups participated, renewing their pledge to creating a non-violent environment for young people in New Orleans. Photos: Brooke Fritz

In celebration of the International Day of Peace, AFSC's New Orleans Peace Project organized a Peace Is Power Giant Puppet Parade. A variety of community groups participated, renewing their pledge to creating a non-violent environment for young people in New Orleans.

New Orleans is a city plagued by violence, but it is also one that loves beauty, celebrates courage and generosity, and likes to show a genuine appreciation for fun and life.

So just weeks after Hurricane Isaac swept through their neighborhoods, young people filled New Orleans with colorful puppets, lively dances, and hopeful voices as they marched in the American Friends Service Committee's (AFSC) third annual Peace is Power Giant Puppet Parade.

That morning, volunteers gathered on Duncan Plaza, a historic site for organizers because it sits right in front of City Hall.

Northeast Asia Development Forum

AFSC's Joseph Gerson (center) spoke on Asia-Pacific militarization at the Northeast Asia Peace and Development Forum in Dalian, China.

During the International Day of Peace on September 21, AFSC participated in events around the world to support the calls of many communities seeking peace.

Dalian, China

AFSC’s Joseph Gerson and Jason Tower spoke at the Northeast Asia Peace and Development Forum in Dalian. They were joined by Johan Galtung – a founder of the field of peace studies – and Song DaeSung of the Korean Sejong Institute.

Indonesia Staff Visit Greensboro

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AFSC Indonesia staff visits North Carolina: --They speak to classes at New Garden Friends School --They go on a Quaker Historical Tour with Max Carter of Guilford College's Friends Center --They participate in a "Democracy Chat" --They visit the International Civil Rights Center & Museum --They attend a rally about a proposed landfill site and subsequent City Council Meeting

For AFSC’s Area Office of the Carolinas, this year’s Peace Day was much more than a one-day ceasefire. Peace, for us, rather than an absence of violence, is about building community through cultural sharing, celebrating diversity, and developing personal relationships based on respect and trust.

In Greensboro, our Day of Peace was a two-day tour of the city for a visiting delegation from AFSC-Indonesia. We used their visit to highlight aspects of Greensboro’s culture and activism.