Local veterans and leaders call for peace as a part of International Day of Peace

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Monday, September 21st marks the International Day of Peace.

Conflict rages on in the Middle East. The war in Ukraine continues. A number of civil wars and armed conflicts are happening in Africa. These conflicts are all being tracked with the Council on Foreign Relations' Global Conflict Tracker, found here.

Amidst the backdrop of these conflicts, this year's International Day of Peace is bringing a renewed call for an end to such wars.

On the local front, a number of veterans and local leaders are gathering in Desert Hot Springs to call for change. The event is entering its 21st year offers free admission at the Miracle Springs Resort & Spa in the Joshua Tree Room. It is slated to start at 6:00 p.m. Monday evening.

Keynote speakers, including a Gold Star mother, are expected to bring a message of peace. A subsequent awards ceremony will honor leaders of local cities and nonprofits.

Stay with us for our live coverage at 5 and 6 o'clock on News Channel 3. Our full report will be available at 10 and 11 o'clock this evening.