JoAnne Spies Performing Survivor Tree, Original Song Written for Event
The International Peace Day NGO Committee at the United Nations cordially invites you to participate in a reflective ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial to observe the annual UN International Day of Peace on September 21, 2012. The International Day of Peace, which was established by a resolution of the UN General Assembly, was first observed 30 years ago. Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, will officiate the ceremony in recognition of her 10th year as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and her efforts to grow the Institute’s global environmental and humanitarian youth program, Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots. The ceremony will reflect the theme of this year’s International Day of Peace, Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future, while honoring the victims of the World Trade Center attacks in New York City on September 11, 2001. The event will be held near the September 11 Memorial’s famous Survivor Tree.
JoAnne Spies and Jane Goodall Int'l Day of Peace Survivor Tree Ceremony |
It was an honor to
create a song for the Survivor Tree and sing it standing by the tree
alongside peace leader Dr. Jane Goodall and Michael Johnson. We were
surrounded in a semi-circle by a large group of people who sang along in
a heartfelt way.
There was a palpable sense of peace prevailing on earth at yesterday's ceremony. Dr. Goodall's presence radiates peace, and her Roots & Shoots organization actively works for peace around the world at a grassroots level.
It
was very moving to meet Richie Cabo, the man who helped nurture the tree back to
life. I thanked him for what he did and showed him the verse in my song
that he inspired.
* you tube about horticulturist who saved tree
info on Survivor Tree
Survivor Tree at Ground Zero |
The process of writing the song in a week was intense and rewarding. I played it for all the artists I work with in the CATA art cart program during the week and they helped shape the final words of the song with their enthusiasm and comments.
I envision singing this song in many places and hope it helps water the roots of peace.
I'm eager to record the song soon and make it available on this site.
It's called Survivor Tree and invites you to water the roots of peace.
May Peace Prevail On Earth.
Thanks to Kevin Furlong for his support with the day's event.