Materials needed: five small paper doves for each participant
We gather here to reflect on this Pole of Peace. We come from many different backgrounds, religions, races, and may speak in different languages. Some of us have blue eyes, some brown, or green, some are blond, some brunette, or perhaps a bit of gray. We are tall, short, thin, fluffy, young and not so young. It doesn't really matter because we all deeply desire the same goal, PEACE. The word "peace" is written on the pole in ___ different languages to show the universal desire for peace.
Sometimes we feel that we are just one person, what can we do that would make a difference?
On September 11, 2001, our world changed forever. As the soot and dirt and ash rained down, we became one color. As we carried each other down the stairs of burning buildings, we became one class. As we lit candles of waiting and hope, we became one generation. As firefighters and police officers fought their way into the inferno, we became one gender. As we fell to our knees in prayer for strength, we became one faith. As we whispered or shouted words of encouragement, we spoke one language. As we gave our blood in lines a mile long, we became one body. As we mourned together, we became one family. As we cried tears of grief and loss, we became one soul. As we retell with pride of the sacrifice of heroes, we become one people.
(Begin passing out the paper doves)
As we each take the doves, a symbol of peace and hope and share it with all whom we meet, the dream will begin to grow stronger and fill s with hope.
One person? No, one person might not be able to make a difference, but two,, then three,, this group of caring people here today, a community, a nation, a world of people coming together, each with a dream of peace and hope, THAT will make a difference! People joining with people, nations with nations, each witha dream and a prayer of peace, it will be impossible for us to fail. We will fulfill the promise of the Peace Pole,, peace in all languages, for all people. When you leave this special place today, your doves and their symbol of peace with someone who is special to you and ask them to do the same. Thus, sharing the hope and dream of peace and that dream begins now, with us, for all nations of the world.
Close with song of choice.