In Peace Pilgrim Park you will find a serpentine waterway, a peace pole, a butterfly garden, a gazebo, picnic benches, memorial plaque/stone, and a few acres of grass to wonder around and explore. This park is maintained by the Friends of Peace Pilgrim in her memory. Born Mildred Lisette Norman (July 18, 1908-July 7, 1981) in Egg Harbor City, this site promotes the ideals of a remarkable woman. The year 2003 marked the 50th anniversary of the first of seven cross-country walks for peace undertaken by Mildred Lisette Norman Ryder, between January 1, 1953 and July 7, 1981. At the age of 44 she embarked on her “calling” to be a pilgrim for peace. For the next 28 years she walked over 25,000 miles, traveling penniless and without any organization, calling for international as well as personal disarmament. She walked until given shelter and fasted until given nourishment. Her message was a simple one: overcome evil with good, hatred with love and falsehood with truth. To do this, she said, various stages of maturity must be reached, starting with the self: inner peace first, then peace will be attainable among individuals, the community, the nation and the world.
Monday’s Monument: Peace Pilgrim Park, Egg Harbor, NJ
