IT was an informal, last-minute gathering when a group of Orange residents committed to world peace came together for a simple ceremony in Cook Park to mark the International Day of Peace on Sunday.
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Cr Neil Jones, who organised the event, spoke to the group about the 64 countries throughout the world which are involved in some kind of conflict.
A selection of readings on a peace theme were handed around to the group and read out one by one, including messages from the late Nelson Mandela, Eleanor Roosevelt and other iconic leaders.
Former Orange resident Dr Catherine Errey, who was visiting the area, told the group, as a Quaker, she was always on a quest for inner peace which was a way individuals could make a difference in the world.
Cr Jones told the Central Western Daily it is a concern there is escalation of conflict across the world.
“Unfortunately our governments react often with an armed response which more often than not promulgates the situation,” he said.
During the ceremony, he called for greater understanding and compassion for people fleeing their countries in search of peace.
Cr Jones laid out on the ground near a peace pole constructed for the ceremony, the names of countries where conflicts are destroying lives, including Mexico.
“I don’t think many people realise more people are dying in Mexico as a result of the drug wars than in some African countries,” he said.
Recently Cr Jones put a motion to Orange City Council to reinstate a peace pole which had originally been set up in Cook Park in the 1980s.
He said council is in the process of deciding where the peace pole should be located.
“Hopefully this time next year we will truly have a gathering point to mark an international day of peace celebration,” he said.