Saint-Laurent, September 20, 2017 - The 25th International Day of Peace was celebrated on September 21, 2017 at Beaudet Park under a bright sunny day with participation of about forty students from LaurenHill Academy and l'École internationale des apprenants (école Dar Al Iman). Some forty adults including elected representatives as well as representatives from Saint-Laurent organizations were also present. The event was organized by the Borough in collaboration with the COSSL and the Bahá'í Community of Montreal.
The International Day of Peace, established by the United Nations, was celebrated for 25 consecutive years at Beaudet Park emphasizing the topic; "Together for Peace: Respect, Dignity and Security for All". The commemorative plaque, which was unveiled at the ceremony, will soon be installed at Beaudet Park to commemorate both Canada's 150th and the 25th anniversary of the Park's designation as a "Peace Park".
In his address, Saint-Laurent Mayor Alan DeSousa said: "Saint-Laurent wishes to highlight the International Day of Peace by launching a public call to bring people together and to demonstrate the importance of peace for our community. This community is rich in multi-culturalism, Men, women and children from all over the world, who have learned to live together in harmony. We are fortunate, in Saint-Laurent, Quebec, Canada, to live in a peaceful world. Nevertheless, we, children as well as adults, also have a responsibility to preserve peace around us. "
Among the most touching moments of the event were the peace quotes recited in various languages by a dozen LaurenHill Academy students, as well as the testimonial of a Syrian refugee, Mrs. Howida Tannous, who left her country of origin a year and a half ago, with her three children, and now living in Saint-Laurent.