Although scientists agree that the Earth has been around for billions of years, it was not until 1970 that she was finally given a day for us to celebrate, a type of birthday if you will. On March 21, 1970, Earth Day, the brainchild of John McConnell, was born. (1) Since then Earth Day, which coincides with the first day of Spring, has become an annual event that is celebrated world-wide and designed to “deepen reverence and care for life on our planet.” (1) This year will mark the 36th official international celebration of Earth Day, which will take place on March 20, 2006.

During this day an important tradition takes place, people all over the world share in a “Minute for Peace.” This tradition was actually started before the official designation of Earth Day. The first “Minute for Peace” took place on December 22nd, 1963, just one month after the assassination of John F. Kennedy. This event included a broadcast of “the voice of President Kennedy addressing the United Nations with an urgent plea for peace, and asked each listener to dedicate his thoughts and action to peace.” (2) This year the “Minute for Peace” is to take place at 10:16 AM PST (Pacific Standard Time) or 1:26 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time) or 18:26 UTC (Greenwich, England) or at 20:26 for those with me in Egypt.

Please join me in becoming an Earth Trustee and celebrating all the wonders and miracles that the Earth has been able to provide for us. There is no fee, registration, membership or club to join to become an Earth Trustee. In fact, if you enjoy my web site you may already by a Trustee and not yet realize it. That was the case with me. If you wish to become an Earth Trustee you must simply pledge to work towards the following:

* To promote actions to preserve peace and planet
* To conserve nature and its resources
* To encourage environmental stewardship and
* To ask others to do the same.

If you agree that the earth is a miraculous planet and believe that she is in serious danger, please join me in becoming an Earth Trustee, doing what you can to help, and sharing in the Minute for Peace for March 20, 2006.

(1) McConnell, J. (n.d.). What and when is earth day?. Retrieved Feb. 22, 2006, from The Official Site of Earth Day Web site: http://www.earthsite.org/day.htm.

(2) McConnell, J. (n.d.). International earth day. Retrieved Feb. 22, 2006, from The Official Site of Earth Day Web site: http://www.earthsite.org/