Kucinich Marks 31st International Day of Peace

Statement

On the 31st anniversary of the International Day of Peace, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today called for reflection and a shared commitment to peace.

"Today marks the 31st anniversary of the International Day of Peace, a day of global celebration and collective focus on international peace.

"The United Nations General Assembly first established the International Day of Peace in 1981. The General Assembly asks people to honor it as a day of non-violence and to commemorate the Day by raising public awareness on issues related to peace.

"This year's theme is "Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future,' focusing on the connection between sustainable development and sustainable peace. This means calling on people -- on both national and international levels - to play a central role in ensuring equitable and sustainable management of their natural resources. It also means we must reconcile ourselves with the natural world. This was the message of the theologian Thomas Berry who said the great work of our life is to reconcile ourselves with the natural world.

"As the sponsor of H.R. 808, a bill to establish a Cabinet-level Department of Peace, I strongly believe that the government has a role and responsibility to create an organized approach to address issues of violence in our society. I believe that ultimately, the promise of peace in our society begins with our own personal commitment to living a life of nonviolence -- by rejecting our government's reliance on weapons and war, and by making a commitment to more peaceful methods of conflict resolution. It comes from building coalitions to fight all forms of discrimination and oppression.

"I look forward to celebrating a global focus on peace on the International Day of Peace, and to working together to make this focus a part of our everyday lives. Let us reflect today and let us strive to live every day with peace in our hearts."

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