Beginning in 1970 in San Francisco, the city named after St. Francis, it obtained the support of United Nations Secretary General U Thant in 1971 and has continued there each year.
Participation now includes many parts of the world.
On Earth Day we invite people worldwide to join in silent prayer when we ring the UN Peace Bell. This occurs at the moment Spring begins - Nature's symbol of new life and renewal. This is the perfect day to inspire actions for peace, justice and the care of Earth - with loving words, programs and inspiring music. The first Earth Day in the New Millennium offers the greatest opportunity in history to end humanity's long record of fear and fighting. This will be followed by two minutes of silent prayer or meditation.