Written by a staff from Mercy Relief, Singapore:
Dear Friends,
In 2001, the United Nation has designated 21st Sept, as the day for “global ceasefire and non-violence,(and) an invitation to all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities.”
From wearing a poppy to support the call for peace, or donating a few dollars to buy a T-shirt, or signing a petition, writing a blog, a poetry, gathering a few friends to stand vigil or meditation, the list is endless on how we can show that we do care for those who are suffering. And with everyone doing their bit, with a bigger and stronger united voice hopefully one day, all hostilities and violence will indeed, end.
In our want and calling for world peace, we should not however, forget the innocent parties to these conflicts. They can be found on both sides of the warring sides, be it the aggressor or otherwise. And with this group of people, this innocent group of sufferers, we can help them. And we should help them because we can make a difference.
Mercy Relief being a humanitarian organisation that responds to disasters, has fortunately or unfortunately, on a few occasions, seen first hand the effects of war on human lives. Be it in Iraq, Palestine or Afghanistan, the innocents – women and children - are the ones usually suffered the most. Children lost their parents, lost their schools, their friends, and some their lives and limbs.
It is with this group of people that we at Mercy Relief, are most concerned with.
It is because of these people, after having seen their sufferings, despair and helplessness that we are supporting, this call for peace.
Mercy Relief is commemorating the International Day of Peace with the following activities
(1) Peace Day Observance Ceremony at the Arts House this evening at 615pm
(2) Encouraging all supporters of Peace to make a white poppy and wear it from today till Sunday 24th Sept ( DIY kit is attached)
(3) Mercy Relief is taking part in the Peace Festival Concert at Jurong Point Shopping Centre on Sunday 24th Sept. This concert is organized by the Global Alliance for Culture and Peace ( GACP) and is on from 2pm to 9pm.
Do your part for peace by participating in any of the three activities.
If you are in the neighborhood of the Arts House this evening, do pop by the Peace Day Observance Ceremony. We are looking forward to seeing you there !
Peace
Andrew
Mercy Relief
