It all began when the now, "late" Dadi Prakashmani, spiritual head of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University from India, visited Washington DC on June 10, 1999, and addressed leaders at the National Press Club on Reverence for Peace. Former Mayor Anthony Williams proclaimed June 10th, 1999, Dadi Prakashmani Day in Washington DC.
Each year after that community initiatives to raise awareness and peace were launched, including:
The Peace Trees, planted on Capitol Hill and at the Department of Defense.
Envision a City of Values featuring values contributed by members of the community were showcased on banners lining Sheridan Circle and Judiciary Square.
Remember Me banners raised awareness of a higher level of consciousness, encouraging hope during such times as the Anthrax and Sniper shooting in Washington DC. This has now become The Science of Silence Initiative, a case study that invites everyone to send in and tell us their experience of using the Remember Me image during a moment of anger or rage. Its aim is to see if violence can be reduced by using the image. It also helps individuals to experience a moment of inner silence for peace.
The Tree of Blessings invited the 6 continents to send their blessings and good wishes to Washington DC in a time where war in Iraq and a lack of trust in the American way, calls the hearts and minds of people from around the globe to send in good wishes. These were placed on the Peace Tree planted on Capitol Hill.
Kites for Peace called children and adults from Hawaii, Miami, Los Angeles, and Washington DC to design kites with positive slogans and well wishes that were flown on June 10th,2008 on the Washington Mall, near the Washington Monument. Thousand of kites were mailed to children in war torn countries like Iraq, Niger, Georgia ( Russia occupied),
One kite can make a world of difference in the life a child who is in darkness.
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