It is well documented that John McConnell originated the name, idea and date of Earth Day. His purpose was to use the powerful imagery and history of the March Equinox as an annual event that would increase global commitment to the stewardship of earth. The first Earth Day was March 21, 1970 – celebrated with citywide participation in the City of San Francisco.

Later in 1970, he obtained the strong support of UN Secretary General U. Thant. Sen. Gaylord Nelson’s office then tried to have U. Thant change the date to April 22. U. Thant rejected the idea, saying John McConnell’s Earth Day on the first day of spring was a much better idea.

While promoting environmental action, the April 22 organizers were politically motivated and devious in their methods. When they heard plans for Earth Day at the 1969 UNESCO Conference in San Francisco, they changed their initial name --"Environmental Teach-In" to Earth Day and with their money and political clout got national attention for their competing April 22 Earth Day.

In their efforts they never mention the original Earth Day was on March 21, 1970, (the First Day of spring) and is the Earth Day celebrated every year at the United Nations.

According to George Gallup and other world information authorities, the March Earth Day has made a major contribution to peace, justice and the care of Earth.

If people want to celebrate April 22 in promotion of environmental action -- that's fine. But let them use a name that doesn't infringe on the authentic, original Earth Day. There are many good names they could use. How about Eco Day, Environment Day or their original name, Environmental Teach-In. It damages Earth Day when they call April 22 by that name; just as it would damage Christmas to call April 22 "Christmas" and give it a different meaning than the real Christmas.

In today's society too many people ignore the importance of telling the truth. (Satan in the garden of Eden told Eve she could benefit by using deception*) The April 22 Earth Day organizations never mention the true Earth Day -- but pretend it doesn't exist. They have stated that Margaret Mead was a strong supporter of the April 22 Earth Day (which is not true). Let them post what she said in the March 1978 EPA Journal:

EARTH DAY by Margaret Mead

EPA Journal March 1978

Margaret Mead, an internationally recognized anthropologist, educator, and activist in world affairs, is the 1978 Earth Day chairperson.

"Earth Day is the first holy day which transcends all national borders, yet preserves all geographical integrities, spans mountains and oceans and time belts, and yet brings people all over the world into one resonating accord, is devoted to the preservation of the harmony in nature and yet draws upon the triumphs of technology – the measurement of time and instantaneous communication through space.

Earth Day draws on astronomical phenomena in a new way; using the vernal equinox, the time when the Sun crosses the equator making night and day of equal length in all parts of the Earth. To this point in the annual calendar, EARTH DAY attaches no local or divisive set of symbols, no statement of the truth or superiority of one way of life over another. But the selection of the March equinox makes planetary observance of a shared event possible..."

It has been said that the three words which can do the most for people are, "Love One Another." The three words that can do the most for people and planet are, "Understand Earth Day."

Go to Earth Day: Past, Present, Future. www.earthsite.org For copies of original records, contact John McConnell - 718/366-6963



* D's Metaphysical holds no view regarding this statement about deception.