MEMORIAL DAY

World War II was "The War to End Wars" which didn’t work.  And now President Clinton and NATO allies are waging war with the purpose of stopping war.  Killing is not the way to stop killing.

BREAKTHROUGH FOR PEACE

On this Memorial Day the power of truth can provide a breakthrough for peace. The fact is that Memorial Day began in Georgia at the time of the Civil War when women burying the dead decided they would honor the enemy dead in their burial the same as their own soldiers who had died.  They buried them together and planted flowers on their graves – honoring friend and foe alike.

Most people on both sides of the Kosovo conflict want to do what they think is the right thing to do.  There are difficult differences.  Peace, which requires agreement, begins in the mind.  Resolution of conflict results from attention to common rights and common values that are shared.  Begin where you agree and effective dialogue will follow.  The important thing is the rights of individuals – not governments.  People’s rights to their homes must be recognized.

Let leaders rally world opinion and support for return of Christian and Muslim to their homes – with assistance in rebuilding.  Forgive the heroic soldiers who kill (the wrong solution) and the leaders on both sides who order the killing.  Praise and reward the peace heroes who visit enemies, who motivate reconciliation and assist restoration of lost homes and relationships Memorial Day and the war between the states reminds us that enemies can become friends.  Each year since 1948 the president of the United States has proclaimed Memorial Day a "Day of Prayer for Permanent Peace."  With today’s incredible technology – phone, fax, radio, TV and Internet – a powerful idea can quickly spread around the world.  Pray -- and where possible take action for peace on Memorial Day.

Email this message to a few friends.  Put this on the front page and peace will prevail in Kosovo.

John McConnell – The man who started Earth Day and the Earth Trustee idea. 
www.earthsite.org  and www.wowzone.com