As hundreds of kids sang the traditional hymn “Peace is flowing like a river,” students watered a new tulip tree from gallon jugs they had decorated with symbols of joy and love.
Then a flight of butterflies rose high into the air.
They fluttered over the turned-up heads of the kids and then headed off across the long green expanse of the Wexler-Grant School.
The memorable moment occurred Friday morning as local officials joined with the entire student body of the K‑8 school on Foote Street and the New Haven Peace Commission to unveil the Dixwell Peace Monument.
The ceremony was one of the ways New Haven, a founding member of the International Association of Peace Messenger Cities (IAPMC) participated in International Peace Day, which is September 21.
Qelon Denny and Leilani Buser were “peace ambassadors,” that is, designated waterers, for their grade.
A high point, literally, came after the tree had been watered by a group of kids from each grade, the speeches given, and the new monument revealed.
Frobel launches the peace butterflies.
Then the school’s art teacher, Melissa Frobel, released a boxful of lepidotera.
The peace butterflies had been ordered, online, and arrived frozen in a box, said Rev. Eldren Morrison.
Morrison, of Varick Memorial AME Zion Church, one of the many participating local groups, not only delivered the invocation but also thawed the butterflies.
This was a wonderful ceremony. Special thanks to Alderwoman Jeanette Morrison, who was instrumental in coordinating this event!