Prayer Ceremony of ringing the Bell of Peace
Near 200 Cities Worldwide Celebrating the UN International Peace Day
Dr. Hong, President of FOWPAL,
ringing the Bell of Peace

Activity: UN International Peace Day, September 21, 2004
Prayer Ceremony of ringing the Bell of Peace
Time: September 21, 2004 7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Site: Avalon (47 West 20th street @ 6th Avenue, New York)

A series of festival activities, concerts and broadcasting programs organized by We, the World and sponsored by Amnesty International USA, Jane Goodall Institute, Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), and environmental, international peace, charities and cultural groups were held in about 200 cities worldwide from September 11 to 21, 2004. We hope that the 11-day activities will arouse people's attention to the dangers all mankind are currently facing and will encourage collective actions to create a prosperous world with harmony. Activities was concluded on September 21, the UN International Peace Day.

The UN International Peace Day started with a solemn prayer ceremony of ringing the Bell of Peace, conducted by FOWPAL at 7:00 pm at Avalon located at 47 West 20th street @ 6th Avenue, New York. Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, Honorary Vice-President and member of Advisory Board of Association of World Citizens UN/NGO/DPI/ECOSOC, President of FOWPAL, President of Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy rang the Bell of Peace and made a wish for world peace. After the Bell was rung three times, the sound of the Bell of Peace was reverberating in people's hearts. The love of the world and wishes for peace was spreaded to every corner of the globe through internet. All humanity will foster together for world peace by loving him/herself.

Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) was established in 2000 in the US. And in order for more people to foster the idea of love and peace, we invites heads of state to be international honorary consultants, ambassadors to the UN to be international honorary ambassador of peace, and over 200 world leaders from various circles to be international honorary members from 68 countries. To date, there have been 122 bell ringers from 48 countries, including 16 heads of State and Government, 5 Nobel Peace Laureates, UN Ambassadors, and many other world leaders from various circles.

Other than the ceremony, FOWPAL also put efforts to bridge the gap between country and country through cultural exchanges. In addition, the global endorsement campaign of "Love of the world, a wish for peace" has received favorable feedback. Up to date, there are nearly 2 million signatures from 157 countries been collected. Dr. Hong has presented a CD of the global endorsement to Joan Levy, Chair, NGO/DPI Executive Committee and Joan Kirby, Co-Chair of the 57th Annual DPI/NGO Conference Planning Committee who will refer it to Mr. Kofi Annan, General Secretary of the UN.

For more information about International Peace Day, September 21, please visit website at www.11days.org. Modern technology makes it possible that one at every corner of the world can join the meaningful activity at the same time. More importantly, your participation will make a difference. Let's work together for love and peace.