(photograph © Kiwidutch)
Next to the Vredespaleis (Peace Palace) in The Hague there are not only pretty mosaic seats to sit on, but also an unassuming stone column that deserves closer inspection. Inside this slim column is The World Peace Flame, and it’s surrounded by a small path called the World Peace Pathway.
The inscription in the plague on the ground reads:
The World Peace Flame. In July 1999 seven flames from five continents were united to create the World Peace Flame.
The World Peace Pathway. 96 nations joined together to cooperation and solidarity to create the World Peace Pathway. Opened 27 April 2004. Please add your prayer for peace as you walk around. www.worldpeaceflame.com
On the information board that lists all of the countries that have contributed stones to circle this path, there is the following joint statement made by each countries representatives as Ambassadors for Peace.
Ambassadors Statement for Peace:
We believe our coming together in this initiative forms a powerful statement that the nations of world can unite in peace and friendship. We are convinced that peace is not only possible; it is one of the most urgent needs of our time.
We affirm that ecvery single human being has the right to peace and justice and that at the same time peaces is a responsibility we must all assume. We also endevour to provide full and satifsying lives for humanity’s future generations.
It takes courage, faith and committment to unite in the cause of peace. The World Peace Pathway will serve to inspire individuals and nations worldwide to come together in peace solidarity and friendship.
This is a little path, easily overlooked in the hustle and bustle of being next to a very busy road. People rush by, many oblivious to the small monument here. That said, Peace is often like that too… a little side thought, on the edge of the busy humdrum of work and life in general.
Yes, as suggested, I did add a little prayer for peace as I walked around. Clearly the road to Peace is a rocky one.
I prayed that each and every one of us who enjoys freedom might be encouraged to actively work harder than we do, to promote Peace. That we walk-the-walk, instead of just talking the talk and wishful thinking.
Now all I have to do, is to figure out how I can personally put that into practice. Any advice welcome…
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
