The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21^st.

The United Nations invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace. As we struggle to defeat COVID-19, each persons voice is more important than ever. In these difficult times of physical distancing, this International Day of Peace will be dedicated to fostering dialogue and collecting ideas. The world will be invited to unite and share thoughts on how to weather this storm, heal our planet and change it for the better. Even though we may not be able to stand next to each other, we can still dream together.

The 2020 theme for the International Day of Peace is “Shaping Peace Together.” Celebrate the day by spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic. Stand together with the UN against attempts to use the virus to promote discrimination or hatred. Join us so that we can shape peace together.

In 2007, House Bill 345 was voted into law as Act 23, declaring: “September 21st of each year shall be known and recognized as ‘Peace Day’ to promote peace programs, improve international relations, and increase educational awareness of peace.”  Hawai’i thus became the first state in the nation to officially commemorate Peace Day in conjunction with the United Nations Declaration of the International Day of Peace and Nonviolence.

 

Download our 2020 Peace Day Packet

The Importance of Peace Day Dr. Warren Tamamoto, President of Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai‘i

Embracing Generosity and Openness Wahiawa United Methodist Church

In celebration of Peace Day in Hawai‘i, the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai‘i will be ringing temple bells around the islands at 12:01 p.m. on Monday September 21, 2020—virtually and in real life. 

At exactly 12 p.m., Bishop Eric Matsumoto will lead a minute of silence, honoring all those who have sacrificed for the achievement of peace. At 12:01 p.m., young people will ring the bells from their local temples, churches, schools and community organizations. The program will also be streamed live online via Zoom. More information can be found here: https://hongwanjihawaii.com/peaceday2020/

 

Bishop Eric Matsumoto, Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai‘i

 

 

Virtual Peace Day Event, Puna Hongwanji Mission

 

 

Reverend Richard Tennes, Kahului Hongwanji Mission

 

 

Reverend Kojun Hashimoto, Wahiawa Hongwanji Mission

 

 

Reverend Shinkai Murakami, Wailuku Hongwanji Mission

 

 

Reverend Toshiyuki Umitani, Mō‘ili‘ili Hongwanji Mission

 

 

Reverend Edna Matsuoka, Konko Mission of Wahiawa

 

 

"My Life With You"
Lyla Gonsalves '21 & Kylee Rogers '21, Pacific Buddhist Academy

 

 

University of Hawai‘i West O‘ahu Public Health & Public Admin Students

 

 

Reverend Bert Sumikawa, Windward Buddhist Temple