Day of Peace (2009)

Day of Peace

WHEREAS,  the issue of peace reflects our deepest desire for harmony and understanding amongst people of all backgrounds and remains one of humanity’s guiding inspirations; and

WHEREAS,  the United Nations initiated the first International Day of Peace in 1981, an observance amplified by the UN through its declaration that this day be, “devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples”; and

WHEREAS,  the annual observance of International Day of Peace expanded in 2001 to include a call for a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, where people across the world were encouraged to observe a cessation of hostilities for the duration of that twenty-four hour period; and

WHEREAS,  on this Day of Peace I encourage the citizens of our great Commonwealth to affirm our desire for peace, both here at home and around the world, as well as to focus upon identifying new ways to build alliances and foster greater cooperation between individuals, organizations, and nations; and

WHEREAS,  it is imperative that all citizens work together to help make our desire for world peace become a practical reality for future generations;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Timothy M. Kaine, do hereby recognize September 21, 2009 as DAY OF PEACE in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I invite all Virginians to join in this observance.