Community Corner

Mayor Proclaims International Day of Peace in Cumming

Cumming Mayor H. Ford Gravitt proclaims International Day of Peace in Cumming in front of a small gathering at City Hall.

Mayor H. Ford Gravitt proclaimed Sept. 21, 2011 as to coincide with the global observance.

Wednesday morning's event, sponsored by the Forsyth County Democratic Party (FCDP), included a march and short program in front of City Hall.

The small gathering included Rev. Case Koolhaas, Pastor at New Song Community Church, who read a Bible passage and gave the invocation, followed by a reading of the proclamation by Mayor Gravitt.

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Rev. Koolhass said he believes in working for peace in the world.

"I've lived in Canada for 28 years and I see that many people in the U.S. no longer stand up for their country and for peace," he said. "It's important that we recognize how blessed we are by having peace in our country [U.S.] and I think most people don't realize what they have until they lose it."

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Sharon Gunter, organizer of the event and chairperson of the FCDP, said Wednesday's theme called, "Make Your Voice Heard," centered around four points of concern; the environment, the economy, jobs and Jesus.

"It's really important to take advantage of these opportunities to make our voice heard," she said. "This year the International Day of Peace--their whole theme was make your voice heard and we've got a lot to say."

"People that have just been sitting on the sidelines, complacent all this time, being comfortable, fat and lazy like I have been all these years--it's time to stand up and make our voice heard--because not everybody is representing our interest," Gunter said.

The event ended with the singing of "Let Their Be Peace On Earth."


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