WEST WINDSOR — To commemorate and celebrate the International Day of Peace, the township Human Relations Council has planned an event from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at the West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South Theater, 346 Clarksville Road, in West Windsor.
The International Day of Peace is observed around the world each year on Sept. 21. This day, established by the United Nations in 1981, is dedicated to world peace and specifically the sustainable absence of war and violence.
“International Peace Day is a reminder that understanding our cultural differences will help in building a bridge of peace within communities and the world,” Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh said.
“Learning to live together peacefully is an ongoing process. By sharing our core values, coming together in celebration of multiculturalism, and finding our common ground through celebration, respect and understanding, we establish a sustainable culture of peace in our diverse community”, said Tasneem Qamar, chair of the West Windsor Township Human Relations Council.
This program highlights speeches, international music and dance performances and an essay contest on peace for middle school and high school students. Speakers include the Rev. Robert Moore, executive director of Coalition for Peace Action; Lynne Azarchi, executive director of Kidsbridge Museum, and Lisa Nicolaison, a former Peace Corps volunteer.
Music and dance performances will be presented by the Chinese school, Indian Peace Dance, African American Parents Group Support, and the West Windsor Plainsboro High School South Choir. The event will also include a Town Hall dialogue on cultural diversity and peace.
In addition, middle and high school students, grades 6 through 12 have been invited to participate in an essay contest on peace responding to question “What Does Peace Mean to You?” The essay has to be in approximately 200 words, typed, and submitted by noon on Sept. 16, via email to: [email protected], or by postal service to West Windsor Township, Attention International Peace Day Essay Contest Submission, 271 Clarksville Road, P.O. Box 38, West Windsor 08550.
The top four winners in each category will be awarded a gift card from one of this year’s event sponsors: Walmart, RiteAid, Target, Lowe’s, Barnes & Noble, and McCaffrey’s. The first-place winners will read their essay during the International Peace Day Celebration.
There will be a reception following the program. The program is free and open to the public and parents, teachers, faith leaders, seniors, civic leaders, and especially young people are urged to attend and participate.
For more information contact West Windsor Township at (609) 799-2400, or email [email protected].
