Harrison Students Mark International Day of Peace w/ Pinwheel Display

Students and staff from Harrison Public Schools joined together on Friday, September 19, 2025, to mark the International Day of Peace, creating a colorful, living artwork in the heart of town. In Library Park, also known as Franklin D. Roosevelt Park, is located between South Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard and South 5th Street along Harrison Avenue. Students planted hundreds of custom-made pinwheels adorned with hand-written messages of peace, love, and harmony.

The pinwheels were carefully arranged into a large-format peace sign, transforming the green space into a striking symbol of unity. Each message reflected the students' hopes for a more peaceful world.

Adding to the spirit of the event, the Harrison High School Band performed uplifting music as children and staff paused to reflect on what peace means in their own lives.

This display is a reminder that peace begins with each of us.

International Day of Peace: A Global Tradition

The International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 and first observed in 1982. It was founded by the UN as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace among all nations and peoples.

In 2001, the UN unanimously adopted a resolution designating September 21 as the permanent date for the observance. Since then, people around the globe have marked the day through educational events, cultural activities, prayer gatherings, and community projects like Harrison’s pinwheel display.

The mission of the International Day of Peace, as set forth by the UN, is to promote a world where conflicts are resolved without violence and where dialogue and compassion guide relationships. It calls on individuals, schools, civic groups, and nations to work actively toward peace-building.

Anyone can take part in the observance — there is no formal membership. The United Nations encourages individuals, schools, organizations, and governments to participate by hosting activities, sharing messages, or committing to small personal acts of peace.

A Local Effort with Global Meaning

For Harrison Public Schools, participating in this global day gave students the opportunity not only to learn about history but also to practice values of empathy and community responsibility.

The sight of pinwheels spinning in the September breeze served as both a work of art and a living lesson that peace is not a distant concept, but something that can be nurtured locally.

As the band’s final notes echoed through Library Park, many parents, staff, and residents walking by paused to take in the display. The peace sign of pinwheels will remain a symbol of hope long after the event, reminding the community of its shared commitment to harmony. Chris Hidrovo of the Harrison Department of Public Works took a photograph that captured the sentiments of the day.  I think all will agree with the latter statement.

Photo Credit Cover Photo: Chris Hidrovo, Harrison Department of Public Works. Additional photo credit: Washington Middle School Instagram page.

Harrison School’s Superintendent Maureen Kroog described district-wide participation (Pre-K–8 plus the Harrison High School Soundwaves band) and credits STEAM and art teachers for helping students design and decorate the pinwheels. Washington Middle School Principal Kevin Stahl has stated that it is important to teach peace.

In past years, it has gotten metropolitan news coverage for its student-created giant peace sign made of pinwheels.  News 12 New Jersey featured the display in its Jersey Proud segment, highlighting the 100-foot-wide peace sign ad participation from these Harrison School System schools: Kennedy School, Lincoln School, Hamilton Intermediate, and Washington Middle School.

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