…so, at least for today, let’s all try and do one small thing that will help another.
It’s an easy thing… It can be something as simple as stopping your vehicle on the drive to work, to allow that other driver to make a left-hand turn during the rush-hour commute.
It’s the easy smile, freely given to a stranger, which allows that individual to walk away with a spring in his/her step and a sense of shared community.
It’s about being aware of the world around you… Each one of our lives is hectic, but still, let’s pause for just a moment to show kindness by holding open a door for the person, (be it man or woman), who is struggling to walk with the one-too-many items he, (or she), is carrying.
How about greeting someone, and then actually taking the time to stop and sincerely listen to their return-reply of how they are doing. Talk about making someone else feel like they matter. Now that’s priceless…
What about standing up for that person who isn’t brave enough, strong enough, physically or mentally able to do it?
World Humanitarian Day is meant to remember and honor those who have died while promoting human welfare. It’s also meant to celebrate the spirit that inspires the humanitarian work around the world.
But I strongly believe that this day is more than that. I feel that traits such as: tolerance, kindness, consideration, understanding, empathy, compassion, forgiveness, mercy and a plethora of others should also be reflected upon today. Were these beneficial characteristics more regularly seen globally, I do believe that the world would be the better for it.
So, for just one day, let’s each pretend that we are once again in Kindergarten. Today, let’s each live by those oh-so-important rules of life. You know the ones I’m referring to…
Share everything.
Play fair.
Don’t hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life.
Learn some and think some.
And draw and paint and sing and dance.
And play and work every day some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world,
Watch out for traffic,
Hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.
-Robert Fulghum
And now, for some sobering facts about World Humanitarian Day:
World Humanitarian Day was first commemorated on August 19, 2009 and it is meant to recognize and honor the many humanitarian personnel who have lost their lives while working for humanitarian causes. It’s also meant to honor the spirit that inspires the humanitarian; many of whom intentionally put themselves in harm’s way while they attempt to help shape our world into a better place for everyone.
You may wonder about the date. There are 365 days in a year, so why August 19th?
That was the date of the Canal Hotel bombing in 2003 in Baghdad, Iraq. A horrific, brutal, and unexpected act, which in the end, caused at least 22 deaths and left more than 100 people injured.
Brazilian, United Nations Diplomat, Sérgio Vieira de Mello, was one of the murdered victims who lost his life that fateful afternoon; as did the 20 staff members who had accompanied him.
Vieira de Mello had worked for the UN for more than 30 years. He was tireless in his efforts to draw attention to the plight of the “voiceless victims of armed conflict.” Vieira de Mello dedicated his life to humanitarian and UN political programs, and he passionately strove to raise global awareness; no doubt hoping to one day see the end of such senseless suffering.
Later in 2003, Vieira de Mello was posthumously awarded the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights; an award intended to: “honor and commend people and organizations which have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion and protection of the human rights embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in other United Nations human rights instruments.”
While Vieira de Mello is gone, he is most certainly not forgotten. Every August 19th, the world will pause to remember him and the many others who, while providing humanitarian aid, paid the ultimate price.
For additional information about World Humanitarian Day, visit their website:
http://worldhumanitarianday.org/
Plus, today you can show support for those who are selfless humanitarians by visiting the World Humanitarian website and tweeting their message of support.
