While the Odyssey was docked in Ho Chi Minh City, guests and crew members aboard the ship joined in activities marking the International Day of Peace.

The bell-ringing ceremony aboard the Odyssey in observance of the International Day of Peace. (Photo: Nguyen Thi My Tien)

Before the bell-ringing ceremony, Barbara Violetta Figiel, co-founder of the Global Peace Flag Organization and a founding member of the Odyssey Rotary Club, shared the meaning behind the five bells. The first bell was dedicated to peace around the world, to those living amid war, violence and conflict, and to those working for reconciliation. The second was dedicated to the countries, cities and communities that the Odyssey encounters along its journey. The third was for the residents, crew members and those who regard the ship as home; the fourth was dedicated to peace within each individual; and the final bell was dedicated to the future of the Odyssey.

According to Barbara, the people aboard the ship come from many countries and have different cultures, backgrounds and life experiences, yet they are taking part in a journey around the world together. She said they carry a message of peace to the communities where the ship calls and put that message into practice in their relationships with those who share life aboard the vessel.

She said that investing in peace does not necessarily mean investing money. It can begin with action, listening, understanding, patience, compassion, respect for differences, and the way each person treats those around them, especially in times of disagreement.

The Odyssey choir performs several songs. (Photo: Nguyen Thi My Tien)

Before the bell-ringing ceremony, Captain Manuel said that the Odyssey's journey takes it through many countries and cultures and brings its residents into contact with people from diverse backgrounds. According to him, peace is expressed in the way people sharing the journey listen to one another, respect differences and support one another.

Following his remarks, Captain Manuel rang the five bells aboard the Odyssey.

One day earlier, around 50 Odyssey residents had attended a programme marking the International Day of Peace at the War Remnants Museum.

Referring to the programme during the gathering aboard the ship, Paul Montoya, President and founding member of the Odyssey Rotary Club, said that Odyssey residents had listened to Ton Nu Thi Ninh, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Peace and Development Foundation and President of the Ho Chi Minh City Peace Committee, speak about peace, reconciliation and the consequences of war that continue to be felt. They also watched an artistic performance and visited the museum.

Paul Montoya also mentioned a performance by members of Orange Happiness, who are victims of Agent Orange/dioxin. He said he was particularly moved by the first song, which conveyed a message about forgiveness.

After the five bells, the Odyssey choir performed three songs: Dona Nobis Pacem, Imagine and Let There Be Peace on Earth.

From Ho Chi Minh City, the five bells for peace followed the Odyssey out to sea, carrying a wish for a world that listens, respects and shares.

War-Time Frames Tell the Story of Peace On the occasion of the International Day of Peace on September 21, the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City inaugurated a newly renovated exhibition space featuring three thematic exhibitions: “Requiem,” “Agent Orange in the War in Viet Nam,” and “Viet Nam: War and Peace.” The documentary photographs invite the public to look back on a painful past while conveying a message about the value of peace to present and future generations.

From Memory to the Future: Nurturing Peace, Friendship and Cooperation On September 25, in Dong Hoi Ward, Quang Tri Province, the Viet Nam Peace and Development Council, in coordination with the Quang Tri Union of Friendship Organizations, held an international seminar titled “From memory to the future: The value of peace.”