Volunteers spread messages of peace during Kalispell Fourth of July parade

KALISPELL — The Fourth of July was a big day in Flathead, starting with the downtown Kalispell parade, and this year, a special float was part of it.

Volunteers who organize the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run had the chance to spread their message during the July 4 parade in Kalispell.

“To remind everyone that the world is one family, and also to remind people that we can all make a difference in the world,” said Harita Davies, one of the peace runner volunteers.

The Run for Peace is a 10,000-mile torch relay across the United States and Canada. Sixty volunteer runners from more than 20 countries carry the flame in hopes of spreading the message that world peace is possible.

“We really think it’s very symbolic, because to have world peace, if we all take a few steps, those few steps add up,” Davies said.

The Peace Run has been spreading its message since 1987 at schools, community events, meetings with local leaders and more. But in Kalispell, they were able to do it through the parade.

“We’re really excited to be able to participate in this parade because we really want to be a part of the communities that we go through… we get to go through places that we wouldn’t normally get the chance to go,” Davies said. “And so the best part is being able to connect with people.”

Members of the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run passed the torch to parade spectators and spoke about their mission.

“We’re just giving people the opportunity to hold the torch and take a moment to feel that desire for peace that we all have within us,” Davies told MTN. “Our message is really one of unification. If we could all have that peace in our hearts, the world would be a beautiful place.”