What is Earth Day?

In recent years, because of population increase the earth is getting more and more polluted. Chemical plants and factories send toxic fumes into the air and water. As cities grow, farm lands and forests are being destroyed. Many animals and plants are being extinct forever.

In 1969, John McConnell decided to establish a special day for the earth so that everyone remembers to protect and save it. The international Earth Day is celebrated on the first day of spring. John McConnell proposed the Earth Day as a universal holiday for all people to remember earth's beauties. The City of San Francisco supported his proposal. Then Mr. McConnell asked the United Nations to recognize Earth Day as a world holiday.

In 1970, UN Secretary General U Thant agreed to establish an International Earth Day. At every Earth Day ceremony at the United Nations, the Peace Bell is rung. The Peace Bell is the gift from Japan. In 1971 Secretary General U Thant rang the Peace Bell for the first time and called on all people to nurture and care for the earth.

In the United States, however, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22. On this day people take part in rallies, plant trees, clean up beaches, or work in recycling projects. Earth Day is an important day because we remember to protect the environment.