It is a beautiful day for running, Rachel from Portugal starts the team early.
Even the locals are surprised.
Mayor Matt Miller of Ashland holds the Peace Torch with Melissa, who kindly organized our meeting today. She gave all the team water for the run.
Our first meeting of the day is with the City of Ashland.
Mayor Miller is very happy to receive artwork created by Peace Run Founder, Sri Chinmoy entitled Benevolence. He commented on finding the perfect place to display it.
Mayor Millers' office was full of statuary, books and portraits of significant American figures, including Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin. Every day he celebrates the ideals upon which America is founded.
And he also offers the team an Official White House Ornament, celebrating America's 250 Year Anniversary.
A pocket sized Declaration of Independence will inspire the team on the road for the last few week of this long journey.
Founding Father Thomas Jefferson, holding the Declaration of Independence.
Mayor Miller declares July 31st "Peace Run Day" in Ashland.
No visit to Ashland is complete without Ashland Chocolate! A priceless gift from Mayor Miller. Now we are really smiling!
The team parks support vehicles at Donna and Earl's house while waiting for the runner. Thank you for joining the Peace Run and for holding the Peace Torch!
The team arrives at Wooster City Hall and is welcomed by Landre McCloud, Director of Communications and Marketing. Many other staff members were there also on hand.
Landre kindly stepped in for Mayor Robert Reynolds to present a proclamation declaring July 31st as PEACE DAY in Wooster!
It is gratifying to see how many people hope for peace. Small gestures show how much we all care for the same things in America.
Gratitude to Landre McCloud and other members of the staff for meeting the team today.
Our next stop is is the Tuscarawas County YMCA Summer Camp in Dover. Kids guess the countries of our international team from clues they give, and learning a bit of geography along the way.
Run, run, run, run, run, run...
Tuscarawas County Sheriff Orvis Campbell receives the Peace Run Torch-Bearer Award. Sheriff Campbell has served the community for over 30 years in progressive roles and has dedicated his life to protecting people in his care. He is known for encouraging teamwork and cross agency collaboration. Thank you Sheriff Campbell for making the world a better place!
Youth and Family Director YMCA, Jeff Bray is very happy to carry the torch.
Gratitude to all the staff for watching over the children and guiding them to grow into a kind and benevolent citizens of the world.
Everyone can make a step for peace.
A young magician shares some magic tricks.
And its time for some fuel so we can continue on our way.
Peace Runners run a relay style: some members run first, others catch up later, and then we switch.
The beautiful Conotton Creek Trail.
Jessie from Rumley joined on his bike for a mile.
John stopped to say hello and to give us his support.
Thank You Microtel Inn & Suites in Cadiz, OH for hosting us tonight! The complimentary accommodations you provide help us to continue on our way. It is because of your kindness and generosity that we are able to run.
