World Peace and Prayer Day
Once upon a time, not too long ago, Chief Arvol Looking Horse announced that the "signs" of the Indigenous people's prophecies had shown themselves. Along with other spiritual leaders and elders who gathered at the United Nations to present their prophecies, he believed the time had come to begin global healing by working toward world peace and harmony.Joined by thousands of concerned citizens, Looking Horse promoted a Wolakota (peace) event, beginning on June 21, 1996, in Wyoming. He implored members of the community to come together regardless of their nationality, ethnicity or religion, and join their hearts in prayers for world peace and the healing of Mother Earth. Each year, he traveled to a different location to spread the word and by 2000, he'd carried his message to the four corners of the world.
Looking Horse's vision of World Peace and Prayer Day has gained international recognition. In 2001, the official gathering was held in Ireland; in 2002, South Africa; in 2003, Australia; and this year, the World Peace and Prayer Day will be held at Mt. Fuji in Japan.
Locally, the community gathering takes place in Safety Harbor at Phillippe Park (2525 Phillippe Park Highway) on June 20 at 9 a.m. As one of the remaining ceremonial sites of the last prehistoric society in Florida, the Tocobaga, it's definitely a suitable place for this type of gathering.
Everyone from any faith or religion is welcome but all those who attend have been asked to please bring a dish to share, drinks or paper goods, drums and noisemakers and a blanket or chair. Also, make sure to wear comfortable clothing. Children are welcome, as are pets so long as they are leashed and restrained at all times per park rules.
The cynic inside me protests the optimism of a peace holiday — can we really afford the extravagance of celebrating and praying for peace? Ultimately, I say yes. I do need a little hope. I do need that bright white light at the end of my tunnel. I do need to believe that world peace is possible, even if it seems unlikely. It's a relief to know that I'm not alone in my sentiment.
—Leilani Polk
This article appears in Jun 17-23, 2004.