Who remembers the 60's? No need to raise your hand - particularly if you're sensitive about your age. I'm hoping to jog your memory about the familiar symbol for peace. Do you know where it came from? In 1958, George Holtom designed it for the British nuclear disarmament movement. The symbol is a combination of the semaphore letters
N and D, for nuclear disarmament.

Put 'em together and you've got
 ☮
Cool, right?
We see the word peace tossed about a lot at this time of year, mostly on Christmas cards and gift bags. But the concept of peace isn't just a holiday sentiment. It is a goal toward which the world should stride throughout the year.

Only we don't. We witness a lack of peace globally on the 5 o'clock news and locally in the halls of the high schools. We experience a lack of peace whenever we curse at the driver who cut us off or see an increase in gas prices. We demonstrate a lack of peace in our words towards those who aren't like us
in race or religion.

Being a peaceful person, a peaceful nation and a peaceful world isn't easy; it takes courage. Sometimes it means to stand up for what you believe in, using whatever resources you need to protect yourself. And sometimes it means backing down and extending a hand to your enemy. The courage comes in knowing which is necessary
at any given time.

So at this festive time of year, join me in adding a big dose of COURAGE to the list of what we're wishing for. Follow that with PEACE ON EARTH and the hope that perhaps 2013 will be the year the two concepts get together
once and for all.

I wish you and yours courageous peace, now and throughout the new year!