Courtesy Eileen Braaten
On September 21, 2012 at 7 p.m. at Idlewild Peace Park a most memorial and magical evening began. The setting with the surrounding mountains in the distance couldn't be more perfect or awe inspiring. The second annual International Day of Peace celebration was under way with the lovely and talented Joelle Winkel leading all in O Canada. The more than 250 hearts were swelling with pride and thankfulness for our country. The wonder and awe of all the young and so talented individuals kept everyone spell bound.
From the wonderful Metis Jiggers, to Savannah Flegel singing so beautifully, to the Royal Stewart Highland Dancers, and later Piper, Mariah Whitlock, to the beautiful Filipino Flower Dance, to Brianna Salmon with her awe-inspiring dance to Instrument of Peace, to Joelle Winkel and friends singing, to our fantastic Cranbrook Bugle Band, and Angus MacDonald, William Nicholson and Rod Wilson providing some toe tapping Celtic music.
Just in case this wasn't more than you might have expected, there was a finale candle light closing where everyone joined in with 'Give Peace A Chance', candles gently waving in the dusk — truly awesome!
The Committee for Peace wishes to extend a very sincere and humble thank you to all of the participants, to the Color Guard, to the Youth Embassador Group, Sandor Rentals for the chairs, and to all of you for supporting this wonderful and special event, International Day of Peace.
Mark your calendars now for Sept. 21, 2013, the third annual celebration. This is definately an event you do not want to miss. See you there!