MESSAGE OF “ONE FAMILY UNDER GOD” RESOUNDS DURING

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE RALLY IN MADISON, WISCONSIN

Saturday, September 20, 2008

The warm, bright autumn day at the state capitol was a perfect setting for this year’s International Day of Peace Rally in Madison, Wisconsin. The sights and sounds of the celebration were witnessed by several thousand patrons as they shopped in the farmers’ market surrounding the capitol square.

The rally began with a beautiful native peace ceremony by Art Bohn, a member of the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin, as smoke of burning sage was spread throughout the audience. Prayers for peace followed from representatives of the Buddhist, Muslim and Christian faiths. Proclamations were read from the mayor of Madison and the Governor of Wisconsin, honoring the International Day of Peace event. Rev. Collier McNair, a young Madison pastor and gospel recording artist, concluded the opening segment with a spirited musical presentation.

Leaders from non-profit service organizations then presented brief messages about their missions of service. The organizations included an educational mentoring program, a hospice program, programs centered on women and a restorative program for delinquent youth. The conviction expressed through each presentation was inspiring. An entertaining skit was presented by a multi-cultured group of young women who creatively portrayed different regions of the world and the resolution of their prejudices and bias. Reconciliation seemed simple as they realized that they were all children of God. A special Declaration for the International Day of Peace was read by Rev. David Rendel representing the Universal Peace Federation.

International day of Peace Rally at the State Capitol Building
in Madison, Wisconsin – September 20, 2008.

The keynote message was skillfully delivered by Rev. Mark Abernathy, pastor of New Life Assembly and a committee member for the recent Global Peace Festival in Washington, DC. He stressed the necessity of understanding our relationships as “one family under God” as the source for true world peace. As he spoke, many new participants joined the gathering to hear his profound words.

Keynote peace message from Rev. Mark Abernathy, New Life Assembly.

The program closed with the dramatic release of white doves by many of the young participants. The birds’ dash for freedom as they soared above the capitol symbolized the desire of all people to freely live in a world of peace. The simple harmony exhibited by the day’s diverse gathering was proof that that peace is always within reach!

Peace blessing – releasing white doves above the Wisconsin state capitol.

Mr. Jim Anderson, Emcee.

Spreading of sage smoke during the Native American peace ceremony.

Prayers for peace from (top clockwise) Art Bohn of the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin,
Christina Woodal of the Deer Park Buddhist Center, Minister David Muhammad of
the Nation of Islam, and Rev. Maurice Lawrence of True Our Brothers’ Keeper.

Music for peace from Rev. Colier McNair, gospel recording artist.

Messages from (top clockwise): Karen Dischler of Schools for Hope, Abhi Pullar (Hospice Volunteer),
Rev. Marian North of the Women’s Federation for World Peace,
Karen Ball of Operation Fresh Start, Mary Swopes of the Mahogany Heritage Foundation
and Rev. David Rendel of the Universal Peace Federation.

Entertaining skit depicting the resolution of global conflicts through
the realization of “one family under God”.

The faces of peace!

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