World Day of Peace

January 7, 2020

World Day of Peace is remembered … celebrated … imagined … every  January 1st.

January 1, 2020, this new decade began with a World Day of Peace.

I took out a recent photo taken of the simple but unforgettable statue of Anne Frank, which stands near her final home in the Secret Annex, Amsterdam.

Anne Frank statue
The statue paying tribute to Anne Frank, located at the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam.

I thought about my recent biking trip across Holland, about the country’s long history of creating canals, cathedrals, and castles. And also its long history of continual battles between kingdoms and war with countries, the last one, World War II, the German invasion, the Holocaust.

What would Anne Frank be thinking about today? What would she say to us?

Our world seems to be spinning farther and farther away from choosing peace. What can we each do, say, write or imagine to “give peace a chance.”  — John Lennon

“All works of love are works of peace”  — Mother Theresa

War is Over! poster from John Lennon and Yoko Ono
a poster sent by John Lennon and Yoko Ono

Nancy Bo Flood

As a fish-brain surgeon or a rodeo poem wrangler, I have loved stories. I strongly believe that words – in poetry or prose – help heal our hearts and give us new eyes to see the world. I was first a research psychologist studying brain development at the University of Minnesota and London University before following my passion – writing for children. Learn more…