When I first conceived of Earth Day, a global holiday to celebrate the wonder of life on our planet, I thought long and hard about the day on which it should fall. It must be meaningful. One that might be accepted universally for all of humankind. 

 

When the Vernal Equinox dawned on（渐渐明白） me, I immediately knew it was right. The Earth tremor¹ that shook our California dwelling² at（停留于） that moment seemed an omen³ of confirmation⁴. What could be more appropriate than the first moment of Spring, when day and night are equal around the world and hearts and minds can join together with thoughts of harmony and Earth's rejuvenation⁵（返老还童）. Just as a single prayer can be siginificant, how much more so when hundreds, thousands, millions of people throughout the world join in peaceful thoughts and prayers to nurture⁶ neighbor and nature. 

 

And so it came to pass we initiated⁷ the celebration of Earth Day on March 21, 1970. The first Proclamation of Earth Day was by San Francisco, the City of Saint Francis, patron saint of ecology. Designating the First Day of Spring, March 21, 1970 to be Earth Day, this day of nature's equipoise was later sanctioned in a Proclamation signed by Secretary General U Thant at the United Nations where it is observed each year. Earth Day was firmly established for all time on a sound basis as an annual event to deepen reverence⁸（崇敬） and care for life on our planet. 

 

While other dates have been called Earth Day it is obvious that a singular Earth Day is needed and that the original choice of nature's day is best. More attention for this fact will increase the influence of Earth Day and its benefits. 

 

Every effort to encourage Earth care is to be commended. But just as more than one birthday each year for an individual would diminish the real birthday, calling other dates Earth Day detracts from the authentic⁹ day -- which can provide a more meaningful focus and obtain more unity¹⁰ in our diversity. The nature of the March equinox provides a reason for an event at the same time all over the world. 

 

Other events leading up to or following could be called Earth Festivals, or given other names. Then events can complement¹¹ each other and increase awareness¹² and care for our planet and its people. In the midst of this will be Earth Day, where the United Nations Peace Bell rings at the moment Spring begins and hearts and minds join all over the world.

点击收听单词发音