ELKHART, Ind. -- International Day of Peace was celebrated around the world - and in Elkhart and South Bend.

Because of recent violence, students at Saint Vincent De Paul in Elkhart decided to hold a moment of prayer and reflection before walking around the school to share a message of peace.

"Peace to me means the world. I think that without peace it wouldn't be the same and that we're blessed to have such a thing and I'm blessed to go to this school," fourth grader Victoria Sanchez said.

The day of peace is a yearly event created by the United Nations in 1981.

This year the theme is Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All.

"We love this community and we're glad that we're able to share it. The students are excited and we're handing out bookmarks to the people who are walking down the street and we're sharing joy in this community," said Principal Tara Lundy.

A community mass was also held at Saint James Cathedral in South Bend to promote international peace and unity.