2004 Japanese Peace Bell

On June 3, 2004, the United Nations Postal Administration issued three stamps to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Japanese Peace Bell.

The bell was cast in Japan from coins collected by the children of 60 nations.  It was a present to the U.N. from the people of Japan and is housed in a Shinto-like shrine at U.N. headquarters in New York.

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On June 3, 2004, the United Nations Postal Administration issued three stamps to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Japanese Peace Bell.

The bell was cast in Japan from coins collected by the children of 60 nations.  It was a present to the U.N. from the people of Japan and is housed in a Shinto-like shrine at U.N. headquarters in New York.

Traditionally, it is rung twice a year:  on the first day of spring and on the opening day of the General Assembly’s yearly session.

In 1994, then-Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali said, “Whenever it has sounded, this Japanese Peace Bell has sent a clear message.  The message is addressed to all humanity.  Peace is precious.  it is not enough to yearn for peace.  Peace requires work – long, hard, difficult work.”