The students of Salmonberry School culminated a week-long focus on peace studies with a multi-generational celebration on International Day of Peace, Monday, Sept. 21.

Elementary students ages 3 to 9 sang songs related to world peace in Spanish. Younger students shared a singing of the Pachelbel Peace Meditation accompanied by Mary Wachter and Rene Keep on violins.

“The celebration was both joyous and reverent. Students laughed and sang, but also took time for silent reflection. Parents, grandparents, and friends joined together to model a community coming together in a gesture of caring, compassion, and appreciation for cultures around the world,” director Paul Freedman said

The ceremony included a world peace affirmation when each child shared a photograph of children from a different country and all participants wished peace for that country. The photographs were hung one by one on a rope garland which eventually encircled the participants.

The celebration was created by Salmonberry’s newest teacher, Linda Ellsworth. Ellsworth helped organize similar events at other schools in years past.

“It is such a beautiful holiday, to take a moment and recognize children around the world,” Ellsworth said.

International Day of Peace began in 1981 and has become increasingly observed since the United Nations resolution in 2001 designated September 21 as the official date for the global holiday.

Salmonberry hopes to include other schools and community members in the celebration next year.

“Eventually, I would love to share this holiday with all Orcas residents,” Ellsworth said.