Proclamation proposed for County Commissioners Buncombe County

International Day of Peace in Buncombe County

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the ideal of peace embraces the deepest hopes of all people, and remains humanity’s guiding inspiration; and

WHEREAS, beginning in 2002, the United Nations has designated September 21st of each year as the International Day of Peace with one complete day of ceasefire around the globe; and

WHEREAS, the United Nations dedicates the International Day of Peace to nonviolence and the cessation of hostilities, and calls upon all nations and people to commemorate the day through educational efforts, public awareness, and adherence to the global ceasefire; and

WHEREAS, Peace Day activities around the world include peace marches, concerts, events, poetry readings, prayer ceremonies, art exhibits, vaccination campaigns, memorial services, school assemblies, family reunions and sporting events – all made possible by the laying down of arms; and

WHEREAS, Buncombe County Commissioners recognize that the exceedingly high expenditure at the national level on a constant state of war around the planet not only increases our federal debt to intolerable level, but also robs citizens and veterans of opportunities to meet vital human needs such as healthcare and education, hampers the creation of stable local jobs, delays needed improvements on local and national infrastructure, and stagnates developments of renewable energy sources, and

WHEREAS, these local groups and businesses, along with schools, faith communities, artists and individuals have supported the International Day of Peace, bringing together hundreds to affirm our county’s commitment to building peace through nonviolence:

Veterans for Peace Chapter 099                                                  Peacetown Asheville
Peace & Earth Committee of Asheville Friends Meeting            Transition Asheville

Western North Carolina Physicians for Social Responsibility          WNC UN Association

UUC of Asheville Peacemaking Potluck                                     SGI-USA Buddhist Association

Buncombe County Green Party                                                   Our Voice

Ethical Society of Asheville Youth Program                               Dance for Universal Peace

People's Acupuncture of Asheville                                                   NC Peace Action Network

Mountain Area Interfaith Forum                                                        1^st Congregational UCC

Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East              800 The Revolution

Henco Repo-graphics                                                                   On A Roll

Swannanoa Valley Pax Christi USA                                           Asheville White Dove Release

Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting                                            Rapid River Magazine                  

The Basilica of St. Lawrence Social Justice Commission            Asheville Homeless Network     

                 

 

 NOW, THEREFORE, I, David Gantt, Chairman of the Buncombe County, North Carolina Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim September 21, 2012 as:

“INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE”

In the County of Buncombe, North Carolina, and call upon the people of the county to observe this day in unity as we step out to imagine, build, cultivate, expect and celebrate Peace on Earth.

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This will be presented at the Buncombe County Commissioners Meeting today.  The final version may differ from the above.  This is to mark International Day of Peace on September 21, 2012.  There will be a rally and celebration from 4 to 7 at the square in front of City Hall/Buncombe County Courthouse in downtown Asheville.  Rain location is Bahai Center.