World Peace Day 2022
On Wednesday 21st September Andover Trees United held another Peace Day procession in our community planted woodland, Harmony Woods. Since 2018 we have celebrated this day alongside Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots and 100s of other individuals and organisations around the world.
Dr Jane Goodall is a UN ambassador for peace and world-leading primatologist who founded the global youth organisation, Roots & Shoots. Every year, Roots & Shoots invite youth organisations from around the world to take part in a UN Peace Day Procession on the 21st September.
“We are honoured to be taking part in such a worthwhile procession once again to provide the space for people, especially young people, to be able to take positive and peaceful action, and to enjoy the natural world in harmony” said ATU trustee, Wendy Davis.
The event was attended by 4 schools: Portway Junior School, Roman Way Primary School, Knight’s Enham Junior School and Rookwood, in all 150 children, their teachers and parents joining the procession. Our thanks also go to the 4 other schools who had hoped to join us but for whom staff illness on the day made it impossible to attend (Vernham Dean, Appleshaw St Peter’s, Clatford and Kimpton).
Also in attendance was The Worshipful the Mayor Councillor Alan Dowden and around 30 volunteers of all ages, including Church leaders, local Councilors and representatives from local businesses via the Natural Business Network.
There were many homemade cakes to be eaten, and lots of delicious fresh fruit and vegetables donated by long term supporters of ATU, Abel & Cole. The sun was shining and the autumn colours were bright against the blue sky as the 2 giant white doves made their way through the woodland.
Wednesday’s procession began at 10am and was followed by the planting of a commemorative oak tree. Peace doves were then decorated with messages of peace and hung from the trees and refreshments enjoyed.
This year, ATU’s peace day procession marked the first event leading up to Andover's Climate Days of Action, co-ordinated by Andover Vision, and the national Great Big Green Week.
The International Day of Peace (“World Peace Day”) is observed globally each year on 21 September. Established in 1981 The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace and, this year, invited us, through the theme “End racism. Build peace”, to join their efforts to work towards a world free of racism and racial discrimination… A world where compassion and empathy overcome suspicion and hatred… A world that we can truly be proud of.
