This evening, I attended a Concert for Peace held at St. Mary's of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Peoria. In rememberance of 9-11, it featured speakers (clergy) from Jewish, Islamic, Greek Orthodox, Lutheran and Anglican faiths along with Mozart's Requiem Mass in d minor conducted by a gentleman from England with music by The Opera Illinois Chorus and Orchestra with members of the Ephphetha Camerata Chorale, the Heritage Ensemble, the Peoria Area Civic Chorale and the St. Mary's Cathedral Choir. Beginning with an Honor Guard featuring Peoria Police and Firemen followed by the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner" by the 1,100 or 1,200 in attendance, the program lasted almost two hours. It was stunningly beautiful both in atmosphere and in the shared prayers for peace. It concluded with a closing message from the Bishop of Peoria and the singing of "This is My Song" by the audience. If you've never heard that song, it is fantastic. IMHO, it easily eclipsed all of the events I saw on television today.

Forgive me, I just wanted to share something really special from today.