On Thursday, September 21, 2023, the Chester County Peace Movement sponsored the annual International Day of Peace.
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21st day of September. The United Nations General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. Never has our world needed peace more.
We encourage you to set aside September 21 as a day for peace, to be followed by every day. Perhaps you’ll consider working toward one of the UN’s global goals noted below, or perform a random act of kindness, or volunteer in your community. The possibilities for spreading peace are endless!
2023 UN Actions for peace / ambition for the #GlobalGoals
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/
Goal 1: No Poverty
Goal 2: Zero Hunger
Goal 3: Good Health
Goal 4: Quality Education
Goal 5: Gender Equality & Well-Being
Goal 6: Clean Water & Sanitation
Goal 7: Affordable & Clean Energy
Goal 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, & Infrastructure
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production
Goal 13: Climate Action
Goal 14: Life Below Water
Goal 15: Life on Land
Goal 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
Goal 17: Partnerships
Absolutely nothing!”
(The following article was published in the Daily Local News 09/22/2023 by Bill Rettew and reprinted here with his permission.)
Supporters gather at Chester County Courthouse for International Day of Peace
By BILL RETTEW | wrettew@dailylocal.com | Daily Local NewsSeptember 22, 2023 at 6:32 a.m.
WEST CHESTER — Forty peace supporters met Thursday evening at the Historic Courthouse on the International Day of Peace to hear several speakers push for change.
International Day of Peace has occurred annually since 1981. The United Nations set aside an annual 24-time period to promote a world-wide cease fire. This year’s theme is “Actions for peace, your ambitions for global goals.”
Speaker Asim Rana represents the Islamic Society of Chester County and told the audience on the courthouse steps that we all understand what peace is—no conflicts, no war and perfect harmony.
“It is painful to admit that we are failing miserably,” he said about preserving the peace.
While several inequalities such as race, gender, wealth, resources and education play roles, the real reason for the failure is injustice, according to Rana.
“We Americans have a lot more responsibility,” he said. “Great power comes with great responsibilities.
“Let’s begin our work by making Chester County the most peaceful place to live.”
Jerry Simotas, with Veterans for Peace talked about the soldier of many wars, two-time Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and West Chester resident Smedley Butler.
“The gains of war are expressed in dollars,” Simotas attributed to Butler. “Out of war great profits are made.
“You pay for war.”
Simotas then quoted Butler: “War is a racket and I was a racketeer for the business of war. I was a gangster for Wall Street.”
Activist for gun violence protection Tom Buglio talked about keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous people.
“Gun violence has become a national health and safety epidemic in our country,” Buglio said. “It is becoming a rare thing for any family not to be affected, because the vast majority of Americans know someone who has suffered from gun violence in their family or circle of friends.
“Virtually no one can escape the pervasiveness of this uniquely American scourge.”
Buglio promotes what he said are simple common sense gun safety laws.
Universal background checks should be required for all gun sales, public or private. He promotes responsible gun ownership and also requiring all gun owners to pass a gun safety course and to keep guns locked up in homes with young children.
Buglio pushes for Red Flag Laws which would give a way for families and police to petition a judge to take gun rights away from anyone exhibiting dangerous behavior to themselves or others. He also wants to curb the illegal gun market by establishing laws for reporting lost and stolen guns.
State Sen. Carolyn Comitta was awarded the Anne Moore Peace Award. Comitta declared Sept. 21 the Day of Peace in the borough for each of the eight years of her two terms as mayor.
The senator then declared International Day of Peace in the Commonwealth.
“I only wish Anne Moore was here,” Comitta said. “What a very strong, caring and impactful human being,” Comitta said.
Cathy Lakoff noted that Comitta is good friends with both two and four legged creatures.
Ken Park is with Nether Providence PAC.
“The goal is to make people comfortable and share lessons learned,” he said about promoting peace.
Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste led the peacelovers in a chant to the Edwin Starr Song, “War.”
“War, huh, yeah
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing”
John Scardina led the group in a sing-a-long to “If I Had a Hammer” by Pete Seeger.
“If I had a song, I’d sing it in the morning, I’d sing it in the evening, all over this land, I’d sing out danger, I’d sing out a warning, Sing out war, sing out love, I’d sing out love between my brothers and my sisters all over this land”
-Pete Seeger
Master of Ceremonies Chris Barr sent everyone home on a positive note.
“Be nice to people,” he said. “Whatever spins your carousel.
“Do something to make some else’s life a little better.”
Bill Rettew | Reporter
Bill Rettew is a 20 year veteran reporter who enjoys being the eyes and ears of the community. As a staff writer for the Daily Local News he covers events, politics and the people of the Greater West Chester Area. The Chester County native’s favorite part of his beat is writing the weekly Sunday column, “Small Talk.”wrettew@dailylocal.com
