SEPTEMBER 21– On International Peace Day several events took place across Groton and Shirley to commemorate former Groton-Dunstable Middle School teacher Betsy Sawyer, her work with the Bookmakers and Dreamers Club, the Pages for Peace Foundation and her contributions to the culture of peace. Former United Nations Ambassador and Under-Secretary-General Anwarul Chowdhury attended and spoke at these events.

Former UN Ambassador and Under-Secretary-General Anwarul Chowdhury leads a roundtable discussion about the culture of peace with Groton-Dunstable High School students.

Former UN Ambassador and Under-Secretary-General Anwarul Chowdhury speaks to Groton-Dunstable Middle School students about the simplicity of peace.

Ending their procession down Main Street, the Bookmakers and Dreamers Club gathers at the Prescott School in Groton to commemorate September 21 as Betsy Sawyer Day.

Jen Thorburn (right) and Lauren Thorburn share memories of the late Betsy Sawyer.

Town Selectman Joshua Degan presents a proclamation from the town of Groton declaring September 21, the International Day of Peace, Betsy Sawyer Day.

Representative Sheila Harrington makes honors Betsy Sawyer on behalf of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Fifth graders Alyssa Locker and Alexander Kelly turn pages of the Big Book of Peace at the Prescott School.

Betsy Sawyer’s husband, Charles Sawyer and her daughter, Kate Sawyer (center) observe the Big Book Of peace with new club leader, Diane Repaal.

Right: At the first annual Pages for Peace Foundation banquet Michael Suchecki discusses the influence that Betsy Sawyer and her club have had on his life. Left: John Feal, 9/11 first responder and founder of the Feal Good Foundation, shares his plans for keeping Betsy Sawyer’s legacy alive.