International Day of Peace

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 21, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. TAMMY BALDWIN
OF WISCONSIN
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2005

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the International Day of Peace, a world-wide observance of 24 hours of nonviolence and global cease-fire.

The International Day of Peace was first established by the United Nations in 1981 to coincide with the opening session of the UN every September, and, in 2001, was unanimously adopted by Member States to formally recognize the day on September 21 of each year. Today, citizens across the globe will mark this occasion. I know that there are many of my constituents observing the International Day of Peace, affirming a vision of our world at peace, and fostering cooperation between individuals, organizations and nations.

I hope that individuals will take the opportunity today to consider what they can do to promote unity and cultural understanding, and help make the idea of peace not just a utopian dream, but something that humankind can achieve. I applaud the efforts of Member States, organizations of the United Nations, governmental and nongovernmental agencies, as well as civil societies and religious groups for their promotion of the International Day of Peace and the principles of peace and nonviolence through education and public awareness efforts.

As Secretary General Kofi Annan stated, ``24 hours is not a lot of time.'' Please join me in taking a few moments today to reflect on our aspirations for peace and the measures we will take to achieve them on this International Day of Peace 2005.

http://thomas.loc.gov