SOUTH PORTLAND – Students at Mahoney Middle School in South Portland engaged in a number of activities recently designed to celebrate the International Day of Peace, which was first proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1981.

Each year on Sept. 21, the United Nations encourages people around the world to celebrate by taking a day to devote themselves to “strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.”

As part of its own celebrations the students at Mahoney took time at the end of the school day to create a gigantic a peace sign on the school’s adjacent playing field.

According to the United Nations, the theme for this year’s day of peace was “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All” and the goal was to “highlight the importance of all segments of society to work together to strive for peace.”

The United Nations website adds, “The United Nations invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities during the (day of peace), and to otherwise commemorate the day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.”

Mahoney’s day of peace activities were organized by sixth grade teacher Julie Pitt. Check out the time-lapse video of the students creating the peace sign at www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMHyJ1cnajQ.

Students at Mahoney Middle School in South Portland used their bodiesto create a giant peace sign as part of the school’s celebration ofthe International Day of Peace on Sept. 21. Courtesy image