Every other day of the year is devoted to war of some kind, somewhere. So one day devoted to peace seems very little to ask, and organizers of the 25th Annual United Nations International Day of Peace are marking the occasion with events throughout Tampa Bay and in 150 countries worldwide. In Palm Harbor, a Native-American ceremony that includes the sharing of the peace pipe, a crystal bowl meditation and drumming is set to occur in the Medicine Wheel at Oak Trail Books. Participants are encouraged to bring drums, rattles or other instruments; the Rev. Caroline "White Fawn Star" Dawley facilitates. In St. Pete, Lakewood United Church of Christ hosts "Visions of Peace," which includes a free vegetarian-friendly meal followed by a special ceremony and music by local performers. Thu., Sept. 21: 7:30 p.m., Oak Trail Books, 1219 Florida Ave., downtown Palm Harbor, 727-785-1960; and 7 p.m., Lakewood United Church of Christ, 2601 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-867-7961. For info on other local peace events, visit www.internationaldayofpeace.org.
This article appears in Sep 20-26, 2006.