Thousands of joyful participants took part in the ninth annual Freeport Cares Peace March and Health and Wellness Fair. Board of Education members, administrators, staff and students from the district along with Village of Freeport community members and invited dignitaries came together to promote peace and wellness locally, nationally and globally.
"We are peace, and we must return to it every day and every moment," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham. "We must raise awareness and promote peace within our families, community, country, Mother Earth and the universe. Inner peace transcends to global peace. Let us resolve to amplify our work, let us celebrate our differences and become superheroes of peace, advocates for change and not allow injustice to happen here or anywhere."
Board of Education Vice President Anthony Miller, Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy, Sen. John Brooks, Legislators Debra Mulé, Kevan Abrahams and Steven Rhoades, and Assemblyman Brian Curran encouraged the crowd with their thoughts of peace for the community and the importance of Freeport's efforts.
The peace march, following a route marked with yellow ribbons and peace signs, began at Freeport High School and returned there, creating a sea of yellow throughout the community, as nearly all participants, including members of the board of education, several elected officials, students and district staff, dressed in the color yellow representing peace. This year's march was one of the most highly attended, with nearly 3,000 participants promoting peace.
Musical performances, including the Freeport High School jazz ensemble and district elementary chorus group, provided inspiration at the beginning of the program. Following the march, students, parents and community residents participated in activities and gathered information from the numerous vendors at the Health and Wellness Fair.
The Freeport Cares Peace March brought the community together and was designed to continue fostering unity throughout the entire Village of Freeport as well as a personal sense of harmony within each person.