United Nations Peace Plaza facts for kids
The United Nations Peace Plaza is a special place in Independence, Missouri. It was opened on October 27, 1997, and officially dedicated by Kofi Annan, who was the leader of the UN at the time, on April 25, 2003. The people who created it say it's the only memorial in the world that honors those who serve in the UN Peacekeeping Forces. These forces are like a special group of people from different countries who work to keep peace around the world.
What is the United Nations Peace Plaza?
The United Nations Peace Plaza is a quiet and important spot that reminds us about peace. It was built to honor the brave men and women who work with the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces. These peacekeepers help solve problems and keep people safe in different parts of the world. The plaza helps everyone remember their hard work and dedication to making the world a more peaceful place.
A Special Statue: Girl with Dove
At the heart of the Peace Plaza is a beautiful statue called "Girl with Dove." It was created by an artist named Tom Corbin. The statue is very tall, about 12.5 feet high! In 2003, a smaller version of this statue, about four feet tall, was given as a gift to the main United Nations building in New York City. The dove is a symbol of peace, and the statue helps show the hope for a peaceful world.
Important Visitors to the Plaza
The United Nations Peace Plaza has had some very important visitors. One of them was Kofi Annan, who was the UN Secretary-General (the main leader) for many years. He officially dedicated the plaza in 2003. Later, on December 11, 2006, after giving his last big speech as Secretary-General at the Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Missouri, Annan visited the Peace Plaza again. He took part in a special ceremony where he laid a wreath, which is a way to show respect and remembrance. His visits highlight how important the plaza is to the idea of global peace.
