A Call to Peace rings true this weekend in Wassaic

WASSAIC — “May peace prevail on Earth.†It’s the mantra one hears when visiting the World Peace Sanctuary on Benton Road in Wassaic. It’s also the theme behind the “A Call To Peace†event being held at the sanctuary Saturday, Sept. 19, which is open to all people around the globe, who will ideally celebrate their similarities and their differences while reveling in humankind’s spirit of goodwill and generosity.

“Everyone goes back experiencing the spirit of peace and also the cultural experience because we have people who attend from many different countries. Everyone goes back with a full experience and extended consciousness and their hopes and wishes for peace,†said the sanctuary’s executive director, Fumi Johns Stewart. “The ceremony is participatory and a direct experience for each and every attendant. It’s very special.â€

The day begins at 11 a.m. There is a flag ceremony honoring each state in the United States. The names of more than 200 Native American Nations will be spoken as indigenous people from this country are honored. Attendees will be able to take part in the flag ceremony for the 192 countries in the world while sending wishes for peace to every corner of the earth. Celebrants from various faiths will also add their prayers for peace. There will also be a Mount Fuji choir from Japan performing, with its 25 members singing songs in Japanese (the lyrics in the songs are Haiku poems composed by Masahisa Goi, who started the May Peace Prevail on Earth movement in Japan in 1954). There’s also something more.

“This year it’s extra special because we’re honoring the International Day of Peace, which is proclaimed by the United Nations and is celebrated world wide with a cease fire. Over 10,000 locations will be hosting peace events around the world,†Johns Stewart said, adding that the day really falls on Monday, Sept. 21, but many are celebrating it on Saturday.

Additionally, there will be other activities offered, including a Japanese tea ceremony event, a calligraphy booth, crafts, chess for peace, beading, a petting zoo, nonprofit booths and more. There will also be drumming, flute playing, singing and other entertainment throughout the day.

According to the sanctuary’s head, the event is as important for the town of Amenia (and the hamlet of Wassaic) as it is for the people who attend it.

“I think it’s bringing the world to Amenia,†Johns Stewart said. “More and more the world is expanding and this gives us all an experience to embrace the cultures of the world.â€

A Call to Peace is an annual event; in years past it’s drawn roughly 400 festival goers. This year the sanctuary expects 400 to 500 attendees. The event is free to the public, as is parking. There is a peace cafe to snack at and a shopping area with gift items. The festival is Saturday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the World Peace Sanctuary on Benton Road in Wassaic. For more information, call 845-877-6093 or go online to worldpeace.org.