Countdown to the Spring Vernal Equinox March 20, 2025 at 5:01 a.m.ET
marks the sun's crossing above Earth's equator, moving from south to north.
and the Annual Celebration of Ringing the Peace Bell at the United Nations
Please join us on March 20, 2025, for the 55th annual ringing of the Peace Bell to celebrate Earth Day on the Equinox. This year we will be honoring and celebrating the lives and work of ESF, Inc. Co-Founder, Margaret Mead, and Former ESF, Inc. President, Helen Garland, posthumously.
UN Peace Bell“ Photo Credit: Ann Charles
Committing their lives to the study of human and physical natures, both women worked tirelessly to determine how best to steward the resources and relationships of our planet.
To that end, the contributions from both Garland and Mead are still influencing our daily lives in ways which most simply take for granted. This year, we wish not only to acknowledge their lives, work, and passions, but also to celebrate their long-lasting accomplishments.
ADD here the Garland Slideshow pics
add here the mead Slide Show pics
Observed as the beginning of a new year in ancient China, England, Persia, Egypt, North and South America. At the moment of Equinox the Sun is setting at the South Pole and rising at the North Pole.
On the equator at noon you will cast no shadow.
The first Earth Day celebration was in 1970 on the March Equinox, initiated by John McConnell.
Since 1971 the Peace Bell at the United Nations in New York has traditionally been rung at the moment of the March Equinox in an annual celebration of Earth Day.
This year the Equinox will occur at 5:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, the beginning of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of Fall in the Southern Hemisphere. This same moment 10:01 p.m., March 20, in Austria) is also traditionally observed at the Peace Bell at the United Nations in Vienna, and at other worldwide locations.
We would love to see your photos and videos as you celebrate this annual event of Earth Day on the Equinox!
Please submit photos and videos to:
Our Contact Form
Also, if sharing to social media, please use the hashtag #PeaceBellRinging2025 so that we may easily find you and share in the joy of your local celebration.
Download the PDF Flyer Here
Special Guests (To Be Added Later on Confirmation)