In 2007, Hawaii became the first state to recognize Peace Day. Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21. The United Nations General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

On Friday, September 16, please join us at the Peace Day Interfaith Celebration (theme: Inspiring Peace) at the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin. The event is sponsored by the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii and The Interfaith Alliance Hawaii is one of seven cosponsors. The service will feature speakers and musical performers from a variety of religious and spiritual traditions, including ukulele virtuoso Gordon Mark.

Related events include a Peace Day Celebration at the Urban Garden Center in Pearl City on Saturday, September 24 and talks at UH Manoa by Paul Chappell.

The Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii provides a roundup of Peace Day events throughout Hawaii on its website.