PEACE RUN TORCH MAKES STOP IN OXFORD
by Brian Graves
May 7, 2024
The Oneness-Home Peace Run made a stop at Oxford City Hall on Tuesday, May 7.
The Peace Run is an international, volunteer, non-profit organization in which runners carry a lighted torch representing the hopes for a more peaceful and harmonious world.
The current run began on April 15 in New York City before heading south. It will leave Oxford heading to the southwest before heading up the West Coast, then turn east through the northern states and portions of Canada before completing its loop back in New York City on Aug. 17.
The torch has visited over 150 nations over the past four decades with over seven million participants. It has been greeted by dignitaries including Pope Francis, Mother Teresa, numerous Olympians, governors, city mayors, and celebrities.
The group of runners visiting Oxford came from around the globe, including New Zealand, Hungary, and Mongolia.
“If we can have peace and happiness in our hearts and share that with our families and our communities, we believe that can make a big difference in the world, and we don’t have to feel there is nothing we can do,” said Harita Davies, spokesperson for the group. “It’s a privilege to share a unifying message that is so positive.”
The runners presented Mayor Alton Craft with a certificate of appreciation to the city and a decorative plaque symbolic of the runners’ mission.
“We thank you all for volunteering to do this – trying to spread a little peace and love around the world,” Craft said. “It’s good to know there are organizations like this.”
More information about the organization can be found on their website, peacerun.org.