On this Memorial Day weekend, our thoughts turn to the many thousands of US military personnel who have given their lives in service to their country over the past century. One can’t help but think of the futility of war, but what can one person do to steer our nation away from conflict and toward peace? Peace can only come when enough individual citizens see peace as the only way a truly civilized country can move forward and push our leaders in that direction. Accordingly I submit these Principles of Peace for you to to apply in your personal lives in the hope that together we can begin to make a difference.

I contribute to Peace when I strive to express the best of myself in my contacts with others.

I contribute to Peace when I use my intelligence and my abilities to serve good.

I contribute to Peace when I feel compassion toward all those who suffer.

I contribute to Peace when I rejoice over the happiness of others and pray for their well-being.

I contribute to Peace when I listen with tolerance to opinions that differ from mine or even oppose them.

I contribute to Peace when I encourage the use of dialogue rather than force to settle any conflict.

I contribute to Peace when I respect Nature and help preserve it for future generations.

I contribute to Peace when I do not seek to impose my conception of the Creator upon others.

I contribute to Peace when I make Peace the foundation of my ideals and philosophy.

I contribute to Peace when I look upon all people as my brothers and sisters, regardless of race, culture, religion or any other difference.

In the spirit of peace and friendship,

David Rulison