Norton Introduces Resolution Designating September as ‘Peace Month,’ Inspired by D.C. Second Graders

August 31, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, ahead of International Day of Peace on September 21, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a resolution supporting the designation of September 2026 as national “Peace Month” and calling on Congress to take action to promote peace, at home and abroad. The idea for the resolution came from the Helpful Potato Bugs, a class of second-grade students at Horace Mann Elementary School in the District of Columbia. Eight years ago, the students sent Norton a handwritten note, adorned with peace signs, expressing their desire to “help make the world a peaceful place” and for “all Americans to be nice, have no conflicts, and be very peaceful.” Norton has introduced resolutions supporting the designation of September as Peace Month since then. “I’m pleased to introduce this resolution ahead of the International Day of Peace, a commemoration that calls on nations around the world to lay down their arms and pursue peacemaking and diplomacy,” Norton said. “At a time when the United States is engaged in an illegal and ill-advised war with Iran, it is more important than ever that we reaffirm our commitment to peace and diplomacy. “Congress should take note that even our youngest constituents are paying attention. Some of the best ideas for legislation come directly from constituents, which is why I’m grateful to the second graders who wrote to me in 2018 about the importance of building a more peaceful society and world. Their voices remind us of our responsibility to uphold our constitutional role and take action to advance peace at home and around the world.” Norton's resolution follows. RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of September 2026 as “Peace Month” and calling on Congress to take action to promote peace. Whereas the United Nations designated September 21 “International Day of Peace”, otherwise known as Peace Day; Whereas the United Nations General Assembly declared Peace Day as a day devoted to “commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples”; Whereas all United Nations member states, organizations, regional and nongovernmental organizations, and individuals are encouraged to celebrate and recognize global peace efforts on Peace Day; Whereas Peace Day represents shared hopes of an end to conflict in all forms; Whereas the United Nations calls for a 24-hour global cease fire on Peace Day; Whereas this year’s Peace Day theme is “Invest in Peace - For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”; Whereas the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a milestone development in contemporary human history promoting peace and well-being worldwide; Whereas global peace promotion efforts improve the lives of Americans and all peoples; Whereas the United States has a long history of promoting peace and human rights at home and abroad; and Whereas September would be an appropriate month to designate as Peace Month: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives— supports the designation of “Peace Month”; and calls on Congress to promote peace, both at home and abroad. ###