"finally a court that has thrown open its doors for the peaceful settlement of differences between peoples...It would be an "outward and visible sign" of the Court, which would make its actual, tangible existence known to the ends of the earth" - Andrew Dickson White to Andrew Carnegie, August 5th, 1902

As our trip to The Hague drew near, I began to scope out locations of interest and was pleased to find The Peace Palace was just down the road from our hotel.

This years 100th year celebration, August 28, 2013 also happens to be the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream Speech".

Unfortunately, I was unable to fit a guided tour into our busy schedule, 

but was able to visit the impressive grounds which are all part of the Carnegie Foundation.

It seems, world peace became a buzz phrase 
leading up to the first Hague Peace Conference in 1899.

 After the opening of the Peace Palace in 1913 , the world's difficulty with this subject was amplified when the First World War broke out a year later.

In 1999...

an eternal World Peace Flame was installed in front of the palace

 housing the International Court of Justice which is the judicial body for the United Nations, the Permanent Court of Arbritation and the world reknown Peace Palace Library for International Law.

Hopefully, 
this 'outward and visible sign', 
that is the World Peace Palace,
 will replace what normally pops into my head when I hear the words...

Am I the only one?

You can be honest.

Meanwhile,

I will try to do my part...

and be kind to others...

with a smile like this welcome lady.

Happy Memorial Day to the Americans out there as you enjoy an extra long weekend to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.