Celebrate International Day of PeaceSept. 21 is the International Day of Peace as established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981. In creating the International Day of Peace, the United Nations devotes itself to worldwide peace and encourages all of mankind to work in cooperation for the goal of developing cultures of peace and communities of hope. Sept. 21 serves as a reminder to all people of our personal and planetary responsibility to encourage and work for peace and non-violence in our lives and in the world.Sierra Interfaith Action for Peace is a local peace group. For more than 10 years, we have been hosting a peace vigil from 5:30-6 p.m. every Monday afternoon in front of the Thompson Federal Building at the corner of Virginia and Liberty streets in Reno. This year we are very proud to announce that the cities of Reno, Sparks and Carson City have each issued proclamations acknowledging and supporting Sept. 21 as the International Day of Peace in their communities. We want to thank Mayor Cashell, Mayor Martini and Mayor Crowell for issuing the proclamations and for their support and encouragement of peace and nonviolence.Patricia R. CoiaRenoAmodei’s Pledge comment offensiveI like many things about Mark Amodei, but I was very offended by his comment when introducing Paul Ryan in Reno recently. He said, “We’re going to start with a uniquely Republican thing: The Pledge of Allegiance.” It is not a “uniquely Republican thing.” I have said it with my grandson several times at Fritsch Elementary School where I am able to volunteer. It is a pledge that belongs to all of us and to use it to divide our country even more than it has already been divided bothers me a lot. Please, Mark, do not use this divisive phrase again.Midge BreedenCarson City