North Light takes some ‘Peace’ and passes it on

Despite the threat of Hurricane Irene last week, participants of North Light Summer Camp were at ease, spending their last day together with some sunshine and a message of peace. 

David Louis DeFebo and his wife, Mary Woods, from “13 Moon Walk 4 Peace” led a short ceremony to bless the earth and brought the kids a message of peace. The ceremony took place at the Teen 4 Good garden in Gorgas Park on Friday afternoon.

“We are the ones to make change or bring peace,” said Woods, who taught the children to ‘Pass the Peace’.

The 13 Moon Walk 4 Peace began on 10-10-10 in Atlanta, Ga. and will eventually end there on 11-11-11 after passing through 42 cities and reservations, engaging with grassroots organizations that make a difference in their communities. The walk is scheduled in alignment with the lunar calendar which, according to ancient tradition, is the calendar of cooperation. The goal of the walkers is to touch the “heart” of America, to impact healing and transformation in the way we relate to each other and Mother Earth.

“[This walk] was something we felt like we wanted to do,” said DeFebo.

During the ceremony, children helped plant a ‘Peace Pole’ in the garden by throwing in a handful of dirt and making a wish. This pole is one of 40 such planted nationwide to eventually connect a ‘Peace Trail,’ the first of its kind in the United States.  One of the following words was written on each side of the pole: Peace, Action, Commitment and Service. A stone plaque will eventually be planted near the ‘Peace Pole’ as well.

“This is a very appropriate place for this particular Peace Pole,” said DeFebo. “It is especially inspiring for those who want to connect with Mother Earth and start their own home garden.”