Today is the International Day of Peace, an annual observance created by the United Nations and first celebrated in 1982. To recognize this noble effort, we bring you to Viðey Island, just north of Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik. The island is home to the Imagine Peace Tower, a ring of lights and mirrors that beams up nearly 2.5 miles into the night sky. It was created by Yoko Ono as an extension of the peace campaign started by the artist and her late husband, John Lennon. The base features the phrase ‘Imagine Peace’ in 24 different languages. When speaking of today’s observance, the UN defines ‘peace’ in the broadest terms–ceasefires and truces, however temporary, are all lauded as efforts to create a world free of violence.
A tower of light
Today in History
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Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
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Manatees rebound
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These laurels are hardy
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Wildlife crossing, Wierden, Netherlands
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Vila Franca Islet, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
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The natural ice wall of Misotsuchi, Chichibu, Japan
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Manatee Appreciation Day
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I am the walrus
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Lucian Blaga National Theater, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Helloooooo, Innsbruck
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Hitsujiyama Park, Saitama Prefecture, Japan
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National Trails Day
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The artists come to Venice
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Lionfish off the coast of Indonesia
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Quilts as high art
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Everglades National Park turns 75
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International Day of the Tropics
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Hanging out on a limb
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American goldfinch
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Acadia transformed
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World Space Week
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Atop the roof of Africa
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The largest American bison around
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World Book Day
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Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
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Mount Hood, Oregon
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‘Think equal, build smart, innovate for change’
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Feelin groovy on Record Store Day
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Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens
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The ruins of a Maya superpower