International Peace Day – Recognizing Marion, Ohio’s Accomplishments in the Face of a Pandemic

We think most people would agree that 2020 has been a whirlwind and full of unexpected adversity. When this type of adversity hits, communities can respond in many ways. Some will come together and work as a team to overcome and prevail while others will sometimes start to point fingers and blame others for the adversity at hand. Covid 19 has been one of those tests on not just our country but the entire world. The likes of a worldwide pandemic cannot be avoided by anyone, and especially not us here in Marion, Ohio.

We understand there are many views on this and these types of worldwide events can sometimes creep in to the current politics of the time. We think all opinions are valid and we also think that even with the many perspectives on the issue, there is one thing that is true no matter where you stand on the issue; we are amidst a crisis and there is adversity around us.

Here in Marion County, it is estimated that we have seen over 3,000 cases of Covid 19 and unfortunately a portion of those cases have resulted in death. Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the families who have been impacted by Covid 19 in this way. In addition to these most unfortunate of outcomes, Coivid 19 has impacted our community as a whole in many other ways as well. From businesses having to make difficult and unprecedented decisions on how to operate amid very tight state mandated restriction or even to close down completely. Families are unable to see loved ones in hospital’s or nursing homes. Friends and family being unable to meet up for dinners or events like they once did. Kids and parents navigating the challenging circumstances around going to school. It is undeniable that we have all been impacted in some way or another.

With that, we believe Marion, Ohio has shown courage, teamwork and perseverance. Instead of pointing fingers and creating additional chaos, our community has been very supportive to those in need and we all benefit from this strength and perseverance. We will come out of this period of turmoil and because of the great community members like you, we will do it peacefully and become stronger than ever. We want to thank all of our community members who have helped those in need and who have kept positive attitudes when it would be easy not to. We are all stronger when we think about and respect each other and stay positive for better times ahead.

So, today is International Peace Day and we thought it was extremely appropriate that we share our support for our community and the awesome job we have all done to uphold the values that Peace Day stands for during these unprecedented and difficult times. Below is an excerpt form an article that talks about Peace day along with the link to the United Nation’s page on the subject. Thank you Marion, Ohio for keeping the peace!!

“Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.

This year, it has been clearer than ever that we are not each other’s enemies. Rather, our common enemy is a tireless virus that threatens our health, security and very way of life. COVID-19 has thrown our world into turmoil and forcibly reminded us that what happens in one part of the planet can impact people everywhere.”

https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-peace