The West Windsor Township Human Relations Council will celebrate the International Day of Peace with an event on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the West Windsor Senior Center.
The International Day of Peace is observed around the world each year on Sept. 21. The day, established by the United Nations in 1981, is dedicated to world peace and specifically the sustainable absence of war and violence.
“The United Nations General Assembly declared this day as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples,” said a township press release.
“Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace,” said the release.
“On this day, nations and communities are invited to engage in a variety of public or private peace-sustaining events, and help spread the word about peace.”
“I would like to thank the Human Relations Council of West Windsor Township for bringing our community together for this very special event,” said Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh. “The International Day of Peace is an important reminder that we must all work together to create a community of peace and understanding in order to continue improving our world.
“As we come together to create bridges of peace and love, we should remember that diversity, equality and dignity for all are the most fundamental values of our society,” said Tasneem Sultan, chair of the West Windsor Township Human Relations Council.”
Planned speakers include Patrick Roy, assistant scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 40 and Nancy Herrington, director of Art With A Purpose.
In addition, students in grades 6 through 12 are invited to participate in an essay contest on the subject, “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All.”
The essay must be approximately 200 words, typed and submitted by noon on Monday, Sept. 18, via email to hrc.wwt@gmail.com, or by mail to West Windsor Township, Attention International Peace Day Essay Contest Submission, 271 Clarksville Rd., P.O. Box 38, West Windsor, NJ 08550.
The top three winners in each category will be awarded a gift card from one of this year’s event sponsors.
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.
For more information regarding the celebration, contact the West Windsor Township at (609) 799-2400, or email hrc.wwt@gmail.com.
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