United as one
West Colchester Consolidated students spread message of peace, unity and hope through outdoor play
A celebration was held at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Bass River Thursday where the message of peace and harmony was delivered.
School students brought life to giant doves and a magical forest during a celebration of unity and peace in Bass River Thursday.
As part of International Day of Peace, students of West Colchester Consolidated School held a performance and reading of ‘Peace is a Dream Unfolding’ at the Veteran’s Memorial Park in Bass River.
“The play, Peace is a Dream Unfolding, is just that; a message of peace and harmony,” said principal Clint Oakley in a letter read by staff at the event.
“West Colchester school shares this message, and cares deeply about social justice issues, building
positive issues with each other and solving our difference through dialogue and peaceful ways.”
The play’s writer, Dr. Karen Ewing, started off the ceremony with a speech about peace and unity, and reminded everyone that they are all the same.
“We all have the same blood flowing through us,” she said in her speech.
“On this day, we look broadly, hope earnestly, pray genuinely and pledge to work diligently for the coming together of all people and to find pathways to peace. Peace that is not just a good idea, but is necessary.”
After her speech, children gathered
in the middle of the Garden of Remembrance, holding decorated trees and four large white peace dove puppets as Ewing’s story was read out.
‘Peace is a Dream Unfolding’ is the story of a woman’s journey to find a magical peace garden she once saw as a child, and her search for peace.
During the play, prayers from different religions and cultures were read out, including prayers from Rev. Florence Antle-Brison and Rabbi David Ellis.
A prayer and traditional Mi’kmaq smudging ceremony was also held by Elder Doug Knockwood.
As the play reached its ending, the doves spread out, leading the
audience out of the park to wrap up the ceremony.
“Peace and unity is what this represented today,” said Gaston Hall, who was in attendance at the ceremony.
“We had people from all ethnic groups here, and even if you read the pamphlet there were prayers in almost every ethnic groups language. It doesn’t only represent peace throughout the world, but throughout our towns and villages, and all the different races throughout.”
Attendees were left with a message of hope, kindness and a call
to peace, something some believe we need more of.
“It was important to be here today because it’s what we need, we need peace,” said Angie Hutchings, another attendee of the ceremony.
“We don’t need hatred in this world, we need to be one with everyone no matter what colour, race or religion.
“If everybody just held a hand for five minutes, you wouldn’t have time to hold a gun or a weapon.”