The team makes its first stop of the day at North Beach Elementary School.
Izabela Gabrielson with Heather Coutts are an amazing team. Peace and joy definitely start with them. What incredible examples they are for the students of North Beach. Thank you Heather for taking the lead in Izabela's absence. She was sorely missed!
Thank you Izabela! She is seen here in 2019 standing with the Colors of Peace exhibit at Folklife Festival. North Beach students created incredbile artwork for peace. It is displayed here behind Izabela and joins over 1000 works from kids all around the Puget Sound. Colors honors the United Nations International Day of Peace on September 21st and is an global art initiative inspired by the Peace Run. It includes over 10,000 works from over 40 countries with its home in Rome, Italy.
And enthusiastic thanks to Principal Kristine McLane for having the Peace Run team visit with the students there at North Beach!
Next is a program in the Seattle Center-the Heart of Seattle. Peace Run has a deep friendship with Seattle Center.
Father Rich Luberti, Pastor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish started the program with some timeless words crossing both religous and political divides. He finished with the sentiment, "As we begin this Peace Run, we pray that we may one day reach the peace we hope for this day.
Andrew Hays attended on behalf of Congressman Adam Smith. He shared these comments: Congressman Smith is truly grateful for the Peace Run’s efforts to promote peace, goodwill, and joy throughout our world. This event reminds us that peace is achieved through conscious effort and in community with our neighbors. Each of us has an important role to play in keeping the flame of peace bright and strong.
Marjan Didra graciously attended on behalf of Senator Patty Murray. "The unique experience of running with the Peace Torch awakens hope within each runner and, as the torch travels from nation to nation, creates a tangible idea of peace that transcends geographical borders and differences".
Daulot shares the history of Seattle Center and its unique relationship with the Peace Run.
In 1999, Seattle Center joined the Sri Chinmoy Peace Blossom program, joining thousands of other locations and monuments dedicated to peace.
The highlight of our program included bestowing the Torch Bearer Award on King County District 2 Councilmember Girmay Zahilay. His dedication to youth in our community is both conscious, critical and far reaching. Ukrainian teammate Stutisheel places the medal.
Thank you Girmay. King County youth had a staunch and committed advocate in you.
A moment of peace and introspection...
Our formal event at Seattle Center finished after a short walk to the Kobe Bell Meditation Garden and Bell.
Followed by a short Peace Run through Seattle Center.
Next the team made its way to John Hay Elementary School for a program of enthusiastic young people.
A surprise torch bearer award was presented to Principal Nicole Silver. The last two years have revealed the unsung heroes in our midst, those of educators. They play a critical and selfless role in the lives of our children. Thank you Nicole, you are 'fantastic'!
Our final event of the day is the Nordic Parade in Ballard.
The team is uniquely qualified to participate in the Nordic Parade in the novelty category. The Eternal Peace Flame inspired by the example of Peace Run Founder Sri Chinmoy lives in Oslo, Norway and stands as a reminder of our world's universal and continuing hope for peace.
