When I first
conceived of Earth Day, a global holiday to celebrate the wonder of life on our
planet, I thought long and hard about the day on which it should fall. It must
be meaningful. One that might be accepted universally for all of humankind.
When the Vernal Equinox dawned on me, I immediately knew it was right. The
Earth tremor that shook our California dwelling at that moment seemed an omen
of confirmation. What could be more appropriate than the first moment of
Spring, when day and night are equal around the world and hearts and minds can
join together with thoughts of harmony and Earth's rejuvenation. Just as a
single prayer can be siginificant, how much more so when hundreds, thousands,
millions of people throughout the world join in peaceful thoughts and prayers
to nurture neighbor and nature.
And so it came to pass we initiated the celebration of Earth Day on March
21, 1970. The first Proclamation of Earth Day was by San
Francisco, the City of Saint Francis, patron saint of ecology. Designating the
First Day of Spring, March 21, 1970 to be Earth Day, this day
of nature's equipoise was later sanctioned in a Proclamation signed by
Secretary General U Thant at the United Nations where it is observed each year.
Earth Day was firmly established for all time on a sound basis as an annual
event to deepen reverence and care for life on our planet.
While other dates have been called Earth Day it is obvious that a singular
Earth Day is needed and that the original choice of nature's day is best. More
attention for this fact will increase the influence of Earth Day and its
benefits.
Every effort to encourage Earth care is to be commended. But just as more than
one birthday each year for an individual would diminish the real birthday,
calling other dates Earth Day detracts from the authentic day -- which can
provide a more meaningful focus and obtain more unity in our diversity. The
nature of the March equinox provides a reason for an event at the same time all
over the world.
Other events leading up to or following could be called Earth Festivals, or
given other names. Then events can complement each other and increase awareness
and care for our planet and its people. In the midst of this will be Earth Day,
where the United Nations Peace Bell rings at the moment Spring begins and
hearts and minds join all over the world.
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