Franciscan Father Louie Vitale, co-founder of Pace e Bene Nonviolence Network will be the featured presenter for "The Cost of Peace: What More Can We Do?" a series of events to be held in celebration of the International Day of Peace and Ceasefire, Sept. 21.
The Sept. 21 United Nations' International Day of Peace and Ceasefire is a global holiday when individuals, communities, nations and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace, organizers say. Established by U.N. resolution in 1982, Peace Day has grown to include millions of people around the world who participate in all kinds of events, large and small.
During the past year, Father Louie spent five months in federal prison for nonviolent civil resistance action at Fort Huachuca, Ariz. Soldiers who have served at Abu Ghraib and Guatanamo detention facilities received training on this military base.
Springfield events include:
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Saturday, Sept. 13, from 8 to 10 a.m. outside the Farmer's Market at Fifth and Adams on the Old State Capitol Mall, "The Cost of War: A Stand for Peace - Informational Vigil."
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Sunday, Sept. 14, at 5:30 p.m. at St. Joseph School cafeteria, 1345 N. Fifth St., a light dinner reception and at 6:30 p.m. a presentation on "The Nonviolent Alternative to the Perpetual War on Terrorism," with Father Louie.
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Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m., at Capitol City Bar and Grill at Capitol City Shopping Center, film Meeting Resistance, followed by discussion. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. (free admission with food available for purchase).
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Thursday, Sept. 18, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Patrick's Church, South Grand Avenue East and Martin Luther King Drive, an interfaith service "And the Pebbles Will Sing" commemorating the International Day of Peace and Ceasefire.
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Sunday, Sept. 21 from 5 to 6 p.m., a candlelight vigil on the International Day of Peace and Ceasefire, at the State Capitol Steps, Second and Capitol.
Local cosponsors include Abraham Lincoln Unitarian/Universalist Congregation Youth, Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Justice and Peace Office of the Franciscan Sisters, Laurel UMC Peacemakers, Mary Wood Branch WILPF, and Pax Christi Springfield.
For more information, call (217) 544-3997 or visit the Web site www.internationaldayofpeace.org .