The International Committee for the Banner of Peace

The largest Banner of Peace in the world
will wave forever over beautiful ”Cozumel, the Island of Peace”

Over the course of 23 years, I have had the privilege of presenting more than 3,000 Banners of Peace across a good part of the world in emotional and profound ceremonies that have awakened an energy that we might call sublime. The message of Peace of Nicholas Roerich, illustriou s creator of the Banner, has reached thousands and thousands of hearts in these ceremonies that have served as spiritual beginnings for those prepared to receive the mission of peacemakers, fulfilling the message: ”The Master arrives when the disciple is ready.”

Through the heart, it has been possible to reach superior planes of consciousness. We have proven this in various countries, time and time again. Every ceremony has been different and profound. I don’t have the words to express the harmony awakened by the presentation of the Banner of Peace to the beautiful island of Cozumel, in the person of the Mayor, Juan Carlos Gonzalez, and his wife, director of the DIF organization, Virginia Alcerreca. The press described the ceremony as unforgettable.

Hundreds of men, women, and children, dressed in white and carrying in their hands small Banners of Peace, waited anxiously the arrival of the Banner of Peace, which promotes the Culture of Peace and peaceful coexistence, without concern for race, politics or religion.

To begin, the Marine Band received with full honours the flag of Mexico, and the hymns of both Quintana Roo State and Mexico were sung. Professor Esmeralda Flores, Coordinator of the International Committee in Coahuila State, read in perfect diction the historical antecedents of the Banner and the President’s curriculum vitae.

We heard trumpets and drums, announcing the arrival of the Banner of Peace, gallantly escorted by female members of the Navy. There are no words to explain how, during these solemn moments, the Banner of Peace in movement created a grand harmony and peace which spread over all in attendance. Not even the slightest sound was heard from those present -- the silence was broken only by an occasional emotional sob. With expectant eyes, at times filled with tears, they received the Banner with devotion. The symbol of three spheres forming a triangle with its vertex pointing upward, which has existed on the Planet for more than 9,000 years, is indelibly etched in the hearts of thousands of people in many countries, thanks to these ceremonies. (See Symbolism of the Banner at www.banderdelapaz.org)

Filled with emotion, I finished my message with Roerich’s words and those which at the moment came straight from my heart: ”May the Flag of Peace wave over the altars and bastions of spirituality; may it wave in the deserts and there germinate the magic seed; may the Banner of Peace wave over the Islands of Beauty, and these be converted into lighthouses of Peace; may the Banner of Peace wave over all the World, joining all Men of good faith without distinction based on race, politics or religion. May the Banner of Peace wave as clear Light from the heart.”

Upon finishing this statement, I asked the Honourable Mayor if he would accept the Banner, and he responded resoundingly: ”YES, I ACCEPT. IN THE NAME OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE GOVERNMENT OF COZUMEL, I ACCEPT THIS BANNER OF PEACE.” In the same manner, Virginia, the President of DIF, accepted with emotion the responsibility to incorporate the program, ”Together We Build Peace,” into the education of schoolchildren, teaching them to be peaceful beings.

And together the three of us, with our hands clasped, waved the Banner of Peace in Cozumel ”The Peace Island”

Dr. Alicia Rodríguez

Translated to English by Carolyn Kinsman