December Blog for Peace – Party Down People

Well, we have reached the final phase. I would first like to say a massive thank you to Kozo, the founder of  for organising such a mammoth event. Your inspiration this past year has warmed my heart. Okay then, let’s get on with the final edition for 2013.

Okay, so Kozo has challenged us to hold a party for peace. Invite people, past and/or present, who we would wish to attend. Organise food and music and the all the trimmings we’d associate with the party season.

I had a long think over this challenge, and being, not of a party nature, I concluded that I would go with a all are welcome idea. So, the invitation has gone viral, posted on WordPress, Twitter, YouTube and every other site that is open to the public, asking them to pass on the word. A few stipulations though, they must all bring an item of food (preferably tinned or dried). An item of clothing, or, a toy of some kind (fake guns are not allowed), a favourite short story or poem that signifies peace to read aloud, or a favourite piece of music. If word reaches the other realm, then of course, they are more than welcome to attend, too.

Where would this party be, you may ask. Well, I can’t expect people to travel the world to attend a party, that would be crazy. So, enlisting help from each country, we would organise venues to run consecutively for a twenty-four hour period. One massive all-day party!

The day has arrived. People have turned up in the thousands, each with a gift to give and something to share. Local charities have pitched their tents and set up their tables ready to receive the much-needed offerings. Other areas are set aside for readings and music, and the atmosphere is awash with voices, melodies, laughter and tears. All who have attended are equal, fame and glory hold no sway. We mingle together as one group, here for the same reason, to celebrate peace.

Our party is reaching its end and the time approaches for the next one to begin. Candles are lit in readiness. Silence descends.

“You may have wondered why I called you here, asked you to leave the comfort of your homes to arrive in an empty field in the middle of nowhere. First, let me thank you for placing your trust in the hands of a stranger, it lightens my spirit. I would also like to thank you for the food, clothes and toys you brought without question. Now, many homeless and needy will have something to eat, warm clothes to wear and above all, I thank you for the many smiles that will brighten the faces of children who have nothing.

“This party was never about us, us who have all the things we come to expect and more. Us who have people we love, friends and families to help us when we need them. No, we are here for the thousands of forgotten people who walk this earth. You may have passed them in the street, some of you might have dropped money, others, may have turned away disgusted. I am not here to place blame, we are all guilty of thinking our lives are more important than others. That is human nature.

“What I am asking of you from this point on, just see those around you. And not for what they can do for you, but what you can do for them. It doesn’t have to be money. A smile can touch the heart far more than a few coins. Maybe, instead of buying that expensive cup of coffee you seem so fond of each day for yourself, why don’t you buy one for that homeless person you pass each morning. Or, say hello to your neighbour. Perhaps keep an eye on that elderly person on your street who doesn’t seem to have any visitors. Invest in something other than yourself.

“Peace, you see, comes in many guises. It is not all about stopping a war, that is something we can not stop. It has more to do with the simple things we forgot as children. So what we need to do is remember, remember this world is here for all of us, whether you live in a mansion or a cardboard box. Regardless of our religions or not, the colour of our skin or, the partners we choose to spend our lives with.

“All I ask, is from this day on, we need to look forward, create a future that will benefit the whole of mankind. Above all, though, find a place in your heart for peace to grow.”

That was my final offering for 2013. I’ve enjoyed the challenges, and I’ve enjoyed reading the blog posts of my fellow Bloggers4Peace. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and I look forward to joining you and Kozo in 2014 for whatever the new year has in store for us. So, until next time, peace out people.

Related articles

• Monthly Peace Challenge: Party On, Garth! (everydaygurus.com)
• December Blog for Peace (appletonavenue.wordpress.com)