John McConnell (peace activist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John McConnell
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McConnell in front of his home in Denver, Colorado, USA with the Earth Flag he designed
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| Born | March 22, 1915 Davis City, Iowa, U.S
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| Died | October 20, 2012 (aged 97) |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | Founder of Earth Day |
John McConnell was a special person who cared deeply about our planet. He is famous for starting Earth Day, a worldwide celebration of Earth. He also designed the Earth Flag. John spent his life working for peace, science, and a better world for everyone.
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John McConnell's Early Life
John McConnell was born on March 22, 1915, in Davis City, Iowa, in the United States. His father was a preacher and a doctor who traveled a lot.
John first became interested in the Earth's health in 1939. He was working with a chemist named Albert Nobell. They built a factory in Los Angeles to make plastics. John soon realized that making plastic caused a lot of pollution. This made him very worried about the environment, which is also called ecology.
From then on, he believed strongly in taking care of our planet. He felt this was important because of his Christian faith. As World War II was starting, he believed that love and prayer could be stronger than bombs.
In 1957, after the first Sputnik satellite was launched, John wrote an article. It was called "Make Our Satellite A Symbol Of Hope." He asked for countries to work together peacefully to explore space. He wanted a visible "Star of Hope" satellite to show this cooperation. This idea led him to create an organization called "Star of Hope." It aimed to encourage countries to work together in space.
Working for Peace and the Planet
Peace Activism and Helping Others
In 1959, John McConnell moved to California to follow his dream of peace. There, he and his partner, Erling Toness, started a newspaper called "Mountain View."
John also organized a campaign in San Francisco in 1962 called "Meals for Millions." This program helped feed thousands of Hong Kong refugees.
After "Meals for Millions," John worked on another campaign called "Minute for Peace." This lasted for seven years. He started it with a broadcast on December 22, 1963. This broadcast marked the end of the mourning period for President John F. Kennedy. Later, in 1965, John spoke at a big meeting in Madison Square Garden. Many people came together for a "Minute for Peace" there.
Creating Earth Day
John McConnell's concern for the environment grew even more in the late 1950s and early 1970s. As a Christian, he believed that humans have a duty to protect the Earth. He also thought we should share its resources fairly. He found inspiration in passages like Psalms 115:16, which says, "The earth has been given to the children of men."
He was deeply moved when he saw the first picture of the Earth from space. This amazing photo was printed in Life magazine. Later, that picture became the symbol on the Earth Day flag that he designed.
In October 1969, John suggested a global holiday at a UNESCO conference in San Francisco. He wanted this day to celebrate Earth's life and beauty and to promote peace. Besides celebrating life, he wanted Earth Day to warn people. He wanted them to understand the need to protect and renew the Earth's delicate ecological balance. This balance is what all life on Earth depends on.
His idea received strong support. The City of San Francisco then issued an Earth Day Proclamation on March 1, 1970. It was called "Honor the Earth." The first Earth Day celebration happened on March 21, 1970.
In June 1970, John created the Earth Day Proclamation for people all over the world. This document explained the ideas and duties that people who signed it agreed to, about caring for the Earth. Thirty-six world leaders signed it, including UN Secretary General U Thant and famous anthropologist Margaret Mead.
The spring equinox Earth Day is celebrated in many cities. People often ring peace bells to mark the occasion. Earth Day has been celebrated every year since 1970 at the United Nations. The UN Peace Bell is rung during these celebrations.
The Earth Society Foundation
In June 1973, John McConnell started "The Earth Society." Margaret Mead later joined the foundation in September 1976. She became the international chairman of Earth Day. The Earth Society, Inc. later changed its name to The Earth Society Foundation, Inc. in December 1976.
See also
- List of peace activists
