Yesterday Elena's school held a Peace Pole Ceremony. A Peace Pole is a wooden monument with the message "May Peace Prevail On Earth" displayed on all 4 sides, in different languages. This is the 6th Peace Pole to be dedicated at Elena's school. The ceremony is always the same, but it never ceases to move me. The children lead us in a procession to the Peace Pole, singing about our "peaceful blue planet." They make flags from different countries to wave around during the procession.
At the Peace Pole, the directress gives some special remarks before unveiling the monument, then 4 students take turns reading "May Peace Prevail On Earth" in the different languages. The students sing another song and then we walk around the school signing "Give Peace A Chance." It sound hokey, and a little kumbaya-ish, but the message, combined with the earnestness of the children and the proximity to September 11th, make it very meaningful to me.
This morning as we were driving to school, Elena noticed the flags at half-staff. We talked a little about the significance of September 11th. She was quiet for a bit and then said:
"Mommy, I see a cloud in the shape of a dove. I think God wants us to think about peace today"
Indeed, I think He does. Peace be with all of you today.
What kind of liberal mumbo jumbo is this? Why are none of the kids wearing camo?
Is that your car in the background? How did you plan that? Nice job!