MINUTE FOR PEACE POEM
Dedicated to the memory of Yehudi Menuhin
It was three days before Christmas - And on valley and hill
A Minute for Peace - Joined hearts in good will.
We are one human family - Was the message brought
By the pictures on TV - Where before people fought.
This day then began - A Campaign for Earth
To eliminate poverty - Pollution and dearth.
For when people and groups - Seek a goal all can share
We’ll treat neighbor and nature - With heartfelt care.
Our planet is suffering - From shortsighted greed
But as Trustees of Earth - We’ll meet our Earth’s need.
December 22, 1998 was the 35th anniversary of the first Minute
for Peace, a universal radio and TV broadcast which ended the
period of mourning for President John F. Kennedy. On that
occasion (in 1963) the recorded voice of President Kennedy
speaking the year before at the United Nations implored,
"Together we can save our planet."
The idea of Minute for Peace became popular and played a role in
ending the war between Pakistan and India in 1966. United
Nations Delegates from both sides publicly joined in silent
prayer as they were asked to meditate on peace and good will
– with determination to overcome hatred with love and injury
with new understanding of the power and benefit of reconciliation
and cooperation.
Minute for Peace became the centerpiece of Earth Day, when we
invite people world-wide to join in two minutes of silent prayer
or reflection as the Peace Bell at the United Nations is rung at
the moment Spring begins.
Peace begins in the mind. The repeated participation by
adversaries, in heartfelt thoughts and silent prayers for peace
when the Peace Bell was rung on Earth Day, helped end the Cold
War.
On Earth Day 1999 – Saturday, March 20-- radio, TV and live
Web sites are urged to program this minute - and the following
minute, with appropriate music. Or they may give live
coverage to the ringing of the United Nations Peace Bell (8:46
p.m. EST). This can be preceded by announcements that will
prepare people for this global opportunity to join hearts and
minds in loving faith that wherever their is hate, fear or
conflict, peace will prevail. When enough people pray
together, the planet will stay together.
John McConnell
Earth Day
www.earthsite.org
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