The Ceremony will begin at 7:00 a.m. EDT in
the United Nations Peace Bell Garden
The annual tradition of ringing the UN Peace Bell at the exact moment of the Equinox on Earth Day (March 20-21) was initiated by John McConnell with the support of UN Secretary-General U Thant on March 21, 1971. This tradition marking the moment of the Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, and the Autumnal Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere, has been observed for 38 consecutive years at UN Headquarters. March 20, 2009 will mark the 39th bell ringing ceremony on the Spring Equinox at the United Nations, and the 100th anniversary (Centenary) of the birth of the third UN Secretary-General, U Thant. The year 2009 also celebrates the 40th anniversary of the founding of the first Earth Day in the City of San Francisco on March 21, 1970 by John McConnell.
To attend the ceremony, call ((212) 832-3659 by March 15 with name and phone number, or email esfmsi@hotmail.com. This invitation and photo identification are required for entry by UN security. Check the UN Visitor's Entrance at 46th Street and First Avenue. To allow enough time for security clearance, arrive at 6:30 a.m. EDT. The Ceremony starts at 7:00 a.m. EDT.
Please join us in acting globally and locally!
The Environmental Awards program will follow the Peace Bell Ceremony
at the UN Church Center (777 UN Plaza), 2nd floor, from 8:00am to 10:00am.
