by Dee Partridge

On a hot and humid September day in Charleston, SC, peacekeepers gathered to listen to music and their hearts about Peace. It was our first time organizing something like this, and we were humbled and uplifted by the outpouring of support from Unity Church of Charleston by donating the venue and the surrounding area. 

We held our Concert on September 15th, to be in communion with all the other efforts being forged that day. The rain held out on us as we listened to the sounds of Austin O'Malley's Native American flute, and the jazz and blues sounds of Bradford Station. We had a raffle of about 15 items that were donated by local businesses and by many members of the church, as well as a bake sale and hot dogs and hamburgers for sale. We were also thinking of the kids for this event, and had a jump castle and face painting available for them to participate in.

The bottom line numbers were around 120 in attendance and $650.00 raised. But for me, the day was bigger then that. We gave people a place to learn about the bill, HR 808, and gave them an opportunity to commit themselves to the further education of those around them in their everyday lives.  We sent around 70 postcards to our District 1 representative, Henry Brown, asking him to support the bill. This made people feel like they were doing something active, for which I heard many thank yous.

The last event that made it so meaningful for me, and for others, was the singing from the Unity Montessori School Choir.  They sang several songs from all over the world, while holding signs that said the word "Peace" in many languages.  We were all reminded that we are doing this for our children, for our children's children, and for their children's children.  There were many beautiful things that happened that day, and I feel more fullness in my heart from the gathering.