(This token post is in honor of Ecuador’s August 10, 1809 historic step for Independence.) Happy Independence Day, Ecuador!
One morning while I was a guest at Museo Bahia de Caraquez, the tour guide casually mentioned that I might see some people dressed in white shirts and walking down the malecon. “They will be wearing white,” Carlos said, “to bring awareness toward peace.” He added that people were doing the same in Manta and Portoviejo over concerns about rising crime.
What an easy way, I thought, to state an attitude toward peace and tranquility just by the color of one’s wardrobe!
Well duh! An hour later when I heard the sound of a parade, I dashed to the window on the sixth floor and peered below!
White! I saw white! Lots of white! I took a few photos and dashed down the stairs to the first floor, out the door and through the back gates to catch the parade!
The locals hope to reclaim the days when crime posed few problems. Students, professionals, wealthy, middle class and poor stepped forward and presented a united front. As a result of a meeting between locals and officials a week earlier, 44 newly-transplanted security officers are now in place and helping Bahia reclaim her reputation as a peaceful and tranquil city.
One never knows what the day has planned, but for sure, my life in Latin America is never boring!
Z
Zeebra Designs & Destinations 
That is beautiful. Can you imagine such a turnout in the US? I can’t.Thanks for sharing and feliz dia de la independencia, Ecuador!
Muchas gracias; the collective and silent attitude was quite moving, and this sensitive soul choked back tears several times while shadowing the parade! Z
I would have too. That is beautiful and inspiring. 🙂
thanks! z
You were in the right place at the right time. More personal and moving than watching it on a TV screen. This demonstration represented what people want all over the world.
you are so right; we can hope!
Can imagine how moving this was! Hope they are able to realise their objective. Happy Independence day Z!
yes, it certainly moved me. thanks! z
What an exotic place to live! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thank you! z
How wonderful! September 21st is International Peace Day. I wish I was in a position to suggest everyone wear white.
Hmmmmmmm. But you ARE in a position. Even if a token 1,000 or so of us did that, it’s a start. The egg is incubating……..
z
Hmmmmmmm – you are right! On Sept 21st I will wear white (Even if it is after Labour Day 😉 )
I will prepare a post for Sept 19th as a reminder – Join me? Perhaps with one on the 20th…
Si.. and why not prompt other bloggers to prepare for the same? Great idea, amiga, and I suspect this could be a very beautiful event thanks to you! z
Oh, and that’s funny about being after Labour Day! Down in the tropics, no one thinks about that, and it’s fun to be reminded! z
Very cool…
Thank, stranger! I hope that you two have plans to visit soon! Z
What a lovely idea — there needs to be more unity like this here in our country… really makes sense to me ~ great shots Lisa!! RL
yes, lesley ( http://en.gravatar.com/inspirationimport) suggested that we urge others to do this on sept 21’st word peace day.
My goodness, I’ve not been reminded of that “No white after Labor Day” rule in ages. When I was growing up, it certainly was ironclad!
I mentioned the Damas de Blanco a while back. They still are active in Cuba, and there are some quite good videos posted which show their Sunday protests. Not all have ended peacefully. Some of the woman have paid a price for their participation, in terms of beatings, jail and so on. They are courageous, and committed.
How we admire those who have the courage to stand up for their beliefs. I will research those brave women. Thanks! Z
I’d must’ve been a moving experience to see everyone walking quietly down the streets dressed in white.
I’m shocked to read Linda’s comment – above – about the courageous women in Cuba being beaten and jailed.
Count me in. I will proudly take part in the wear white on Sept 21st and blog about it too.
Yes, It was a great experience, and I admire anyone who speaks up when things are not right. Apathy helps no one.
We will have a wonderful Solstice event, celebrating the placement of the sun as well as a desire for peace between neighbors, between countries, between religions, and between races.
z
Everytime I read a story where people unite for peace and end years of oppression and tyranny, I am moved and feel inspired. These are the new heroes of our times. Heroes who fights for change. Great post!
Sometimes it’s the small gathering that make the biggest statement; sort of like David vs Goliath. Thanks so much for finding time to truly read all of the posts that you do, and still have time to write your own brilliant ones each week. I salute you! This week I’m in transit/about to take down the show, so cyber time is very limited.
Thanks again! Z
It must have been quite momentous to be in the middle of this!
For sure! It was a beautiful event, and I felt quite lucky to have witnessed it! Z
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Oh Z this is wonderful, I followed the links back and found this. I will be wearing white tomorrow for sure! xxx Ailsa
thanks! that moment caught me by such surprise, and i had trouble not crying as i shadowed the people as they marched down the street.
next opportunity we will all have to start earlier and one of these times we’ll witness what i did throughout the world. it will be an incredible moment in time!
z
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