Members of the community joined with The Chester County Peace Movement  to commemorate International Day of Peace “Peace Day” on Friday, September 21, 2018 with a candlelight vigil including speakers and musical performances. The event started at 6:30 p.m. at the Chester County Court House steps, Market and High Streets, in downtown West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Chris Barr, President of the CCPM MC’d the event.

Peace Day was established in 1981 by the United Nations as an annual observance of global non-violence and ceasefire. In 2002, the General Assembly of the UN declared September 21 as the permanent date for International Day of Peace. This year’s theme is: “The Right to Peace – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70!”

Carolyn Comitta, PA 156th District House Representative

Rabbi Lawrence Troster of Kesher Israel Congregation

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948 as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations.

Terri Potrako of Volunteer English Program

Peter Urscheler Mayor of Phoenixville

Representative from Domestic Violence Center of Chester County

Akbar Hossain (Law School Graduate and serves on Norristown Planning Commission

Dean Johnson West Chester University

Sophie Lynne Transgender rights educator

Community folks came to listen to messages of Peace.

Ejaz Sabir of Islamic Society of Chester County

Asa Kahalfi of Coalition for Black Lives

Concordia Choral Arts (Kate Shealy, Artistic Director)

“It is time all nations and all people live up to the words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human race. This year marks the 70th anniversary of that landmark document…By opening our hearts, joining hands and reaching out to refugees and migrants, we can move closer to attaining peace, prosperity and protection for all.” — UN Secretary-General General António Guterres, 2018 International Day of Peace

Kevin Kelly of Chester County Peace Movement

Bill Ehrhart of Veterans for Peace

Veterans For Peace Members

Diane Herrin, Mayor of West Chester, PA.

West Chester Borough Resolution Declaring September 21st as International Day of Peace read by the Mayor.

Pennsylvania Senate Resolution #411 commemorating the International Day of Peace  was read at the event by John Hellmann of Chester County Peace movement.

Rich and Claudia singing “Let There Be Peace!”