Wade Ward

This originally appeared September 22, 2016 on Facebook ·

Today is the International Day of Peace.

I grew up in the Beatles generation, and I thought the world was coming to an end in 1969 — not because of the Viet Nam War, but because the Beatles announced they were breaking up!

Fortunately, the music didn’t stop. Especially John Lennon (and — yes, you have to include Yoko) who tirelessly campaigned for Peace and Love. “Give Peace A Chance” and “Imagine” and “War is Over If You Want It (And So This Is Christmas”), the “Bed-In” in Toronto.

But reality is not kind — there has never been a cessation of war.

I learned a Christmas song when very young — “I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day” and the last verse is so melancholy.

And in despair I bowed my head,
There is no peace on Earth, I said
For Hate is strong and Mocks the song
Of Peace on Earth, Good Will To Men.

Happy International Day of Peace.

Let’s all try to get along.