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Peace march, rally kick off Peace week in Lewes

The peace rally began in the park after attendees marched from 1812 Memorial Park Sept. 16 in Lewes. DENY HOWETH PHOTOS
Deny Howeth
September 19, 2017
Dorothy Greet carries a sign that proclaims “War is Not the Answer.”
Citizens march up Front Street to Canalfront Park.
Carole Scileppi, left, Valerie McNickol and Lew Maurer take a break before the rally.
Attendees brought signs and flags displaying peaceful ideals.
Rabbi Beth Cohen of Seaside Jewish Community welcomed peace in the community.
A crowd gathered in Canalfront Park with signs of peace. Beth Kopicki, front left, was supporting the march with her sign of peace, she is an ESL teacher and has family in China.
The Rev. Carlos Reyes Rodriguez, coordinator of Hispanic-Latino Ministries, spoke of the faces that might not be in the crowd because of the fear they feel in the current environment.
Bill Hutchinson has been collecting pins for 50 years and wears them on his vest.
David and Randy Rosenblum listen to speeches.
Cantor George Mason from Seaside Jewish Community offers a musical number.
Peace filled the street in Lewes.
The Rev. Michelle Collins of UUSD speaks of peace.
The Rev. Dusty Pruitt uses her arms to express a song.
The Rev. Janet Maull-Martin of Prospect AME Church reflected on the Charlottesville church massacre: “Hate won’t win.” She said, “Peace and freedom is important, but what we need more of is love.”
Students march and ask for peace please.
The Rev. Diane Fisher of the Metropolitan Community Church of Rehoboth said it isn’t enough to feel sorry and uncomfortable around hate and racism; we are the peace bringers and we need to own it.
A crowd listens to the music of Amber and Gary Peterson.
Rev. Kharma Amos of the Metropolitan Community Church of Rehoboth performs a song with movement.
Peace is offered on a sign by Randy Rosenblum.
Hannah Hannon and Sheila Bravo-Ross, St. Peter’s Episcopal CHurch sing “Litany of the Word.”
George Beckerman introduces Sussex County peace week coordinator Don Peterson looks out over the sea of faces.
Jeremiah and Christian Davis from the Lower Sussex County NAACP Youth Council carry the Peace Week banner.
About 150 people marched in Lewes.
About 150 people marched in Lewes.
Signs of Peace.
Delta Signa Theta Sorority gathered in the park.
Imam Arqum Rashid of the Islamic Society of Central Delaware opened the Peace Rally with encouraging words.
Interfaith gathering of peace.
Attendees participate in a prayer for peace.
Homemade signs mingle with UUSD signs of LOVE.
Homemade signs mingle with UUSD signs of LOVE.
The Rev. Dusty Pruit, The Rev. Jeffrey Ross and Mayor Ted Becker dedicate the Peace Pole which will be on the grounds of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.
The marchers began in 1812 Memorial Park.
UUSD heads down Front Street to the park for the rally.
George Beckerman, co-founder of the Interfaith Chapter of the Thomas Merton Society, welcomes the crowd to the event.
George Beckerman, co-founder of the Interfaith Chapter of the Thomas Merton Society, welcomes the crowd to the event.
Usman Sandhu introduces Imam Arqum Rashid both of of the Islamic Society of Central Delaware.
Imam Arqum Rashid of of the Islamic Society of Central Delaware offers a prayer.
Signs of peace are everywhere.
The Rev. Carlos Reyes Rodriguez talks to the crowd.
Bill Hutchinson wears his pin collection on his jacket.

About 150 peace-loving people attended the Peace March and Rally Sept. 16 in Lewes. The march began in 1812 Memorial Park and proceeded to Canalfront Park for an interfaith expression of peace including music and speeches concluding with a dedication and acceptance of a Peace Pole. 

Attendees were welcomed with the phrase that is on the peace pole, “May Peace Prevail on Earth.” The Peace Pole is an internationally recognized symbol displaying this message in four languages, Arabic, Spanish, Hebrew and English. The Peace Pole Project was started in 1955 in Japan by Masahisa Goi who was greatly affected by WWII destruction and nuclear weapons.

The Lewes-Rehoboth Peace Week Coalition also set a worship service, peace-themed movies, a justice and activism workshop, Peace Week displays and a collection for Syrian refugee children. Statewide there were more than 60 events, 50% more than last year. The interfaith rally  celebrates the concept of peace through the words and music in various faith traditions.

 For more information go to PeaceWeekDelaware.org.

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