Violence is not inevitable.

War is not inevitable.

Nonviolence and peace are inevitable.

We can make of this world a gift of peace which will confirm the presence of universal spirit in our lives.

We can send into the future the gift which will protect our children from fear, from harm, from destruction.

Carved inside the pediment which sits atop the marble columns is a sentinel at the entrance to the United States House of Representatives.

Standing resolutely inside this "Apotheosis of Democracy" is a woman, a shield by her left side, with her outstretched right arm protecting a child happily sitting at her feet.

The child holds the lamp of knowledge under the protection of this patroness.

This wondrous sculpture, by Paul Wayland Bartlett, is entitled "Peace Protecting Genius".

Not with nuclear arms, but with a loving maternal arm is the knowing child Genius shielded from harm.

This is the promise of hope over fear.

This is the promise of love which overcomes all.

This is the promise of faith which overcomes doubt.

This is the promise of light which overcomes darkness.

This is the promise of peace which overcomes war.