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Stepping Forward From the Past

Peace Pilgrim’s message is more relevant than ever
on the 70th Anniversary of her 28-Year Pilgrimage

 

Watch the one-hour documentary,

“Peace Pilgrim: An American Sage Who Walked Her Talk”

 

 

Share the Peace!

January 1st, 2023 marks the seventieth anniversary of Peace Pilgrim’s first steps on her twenty-eight-year pilgrimage for inner, outer, and world peace, which began at the Rose Parade on January 1st, 1953.

After working for peace efforts during World War II and becoming the first woman to officially walk the entire Appalachian Trail in one season, Mildred Norman Ryder brought her passions together in the midst of the Korean war, McCarthyism, and Cold War politics to begin her peace walk.  In the early 1950s, at age forty-four, she left behind her previous life and personal identity, and became Peace Pilgrim – a middle-aged woman walking from town to town as a penniless pilgrim, connecting with people from all walks of life, with whom she’d share her teachings, examples, and steps of inner peace.

On January 1st, 1953, Mildred walked away from her fancy clothes and nice home, donned a blue tunic with the words “Peace Pilgrim” painted on the front, and stepped into the Rose Parade route as she began her first of many walks across the country. Peace Pilgrim carried only a toothbrush and a comb. She accepted no money and ate only when she was offered food, proclaiming, "I took a vow that I will remain a wanderer until mankind has learned the way of peace, walking until given shelter and fasting until given food." At night, she would sleep in people’s  homes when offered, or by the side of the road, or at a truck stop, sometimes walking all night to stay warm. After counting her steps up to 25,000 miles, Peace stopped counting, but continued to walk, fueled by exuberance for her mission of peace.

Peace Pilgrim’s steps throughout the United States and into Mexico and Canada were well documented, with her mission and message shared in hundreds of newspaper articles, radio and television interviews, school and church lectures, and even an appearance on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Though many will be surprised they have not heard about this amazing woman, a feature film is currently in progress to present her inspiring story and message to the world.

We invite journalists, individuals, and the media to share this anniversary and inspiring story and message with your viewers, listeners, readers, and friends.

 

“This is the way of peace: Overcome evil with good, falsehood with truth, and hatred with love. There is nothing new about this message, except the practice of it. And the practice of it is required not only in the international situation but also in the personal situation.”
                                                                                            – Peace Pilgrim

 

 

 

NPR Honors Peace Pilgrim

On January 1st, 2013, NPR's "All Things Considered" offered a special story,

"Peace Pilgrim's 28-Year Walk For 'A Meaningful Way Of Life"

With photos, interviews, info, and many enthusiastic comments from those who have met, hosted, or been otherwise positively affected by Peace Pilgrim's works.

 

 

Friends of Peace Pilgrim,

Continuing Peace's work by offering her books, CDs, and videos, as well as newsletters and online downloads, all without charge

 

 

For more information, please contact: Sharon Janis, creator of the documentary film,

"Peace Pilgrim: An American Sage who Walked Her Talk"

Click the envelope to send an email