Celebration in Wanganui

By Anne-Marie Emeson

As church bells rang out across Wanganui at noon yesterday, several hundred people gathered at Queens Park to celebrate international Peace Day. One minute's silence was observed to pray for peace and non-violence around
the world.

Blessings in English, Maori and Hindu were said over the handful of people who were taking part in the Peace March from Wanganui to Wellington. The celebration was the culmination of a weekend full of peace-related
events, including a "love Wanganui" march and a peace forum at the Quaker ettlement.

The celebration was a colourful event, with drummers, singing, bright banners, speakers, and people of many nationalities attending in their national costumes.

One of the speakers, Mason Esa from Malaysia, said diversity was Wanganui's strength. "Everyone is our neighbour, regardless of religion, race or colour." Mr Esa said he was honoured to speak at the Peace Day festivities. He said
September 21 was a particularly significant day because this year it coincides with Eid ul-Fitr, one of the most important Islamic festivals, which marks the end of the month of Ramadan.

Another speaker, Fiona Lovatt-Davis, said the journey to peace "must begin in our own hearts". "When we care for our neighbour, we are making a journey for peace. "Peace is not an idea, it is a life."

At the close of the ceremony, the Wanganui Chinese Association performed a dramatic dragon dance. Then the marchers - some of whom admitted to a case of nerves over the 207km walk to Wellington - were accompanied through the CBD, across the city bridge, and on to Putiki.

The marchers stayed at Ratana last night. They are due to arrive in Wellington on October 2, where they will meet up with the international Peace March leaving Wellington for South America. The Peace March will finish in the Andes mountains in January 2010.

With the kind permission of Kim Gillespie, Chief Editor of Wanganui Chronicle and Anne-Marie Emeson