Mark your Calendars for April 4! Every Deed Matters.
In December 2005, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly declared April 4 of each year “International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.” I just learned about the declaration a few months ago. “International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action” was a long title for me to rattle off during casual conversation, let alone scribble in a small square on my kitchen calendar. So for personal purposes, I shrunk the official title down to “Mine Awareness and Action Day.” Sorry, UN General Assembly. Sometimes writers edit words.
The “mine” in mine awareness refers to land mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), such as artillery shells and grenades. The international day of observance aims to raise awareness about land mines and make progress toward their eradication. The term, mine awareness, is fairly self-explanatory. Mine action refers to everything from fencing off dangerous areas, to assisting land mine victims and teaching people how to remain safe in a mine-affected environment. A lot to accomplish in a mere twenty-four hours.
Obviously, the world can’t and doesn’t wait until April 4 every year to organize mine awareness and action projects or make information available. The process runs 24/7, with a scope both broad and complex.
To increase your mine awareness and learn a few simple ways ordinary folks can “take action,” go to http://mindsclearinglandmines.wordpress.com/mine-awareness-and-action/.
Warm wishes,
Laurel Anne Hill, Author of “Heroes Arise”
(Moderator for the Minds Clearing Land Mines WordPress Blog and Facebook page.)