Fifteen years ago, communities dedicated Parks to Peace in honour of Canada's 125th birthday. On Oct. 9, the parks will be re-dedicated in simultaneous ceremonies across the country.

The re-dedications are co-ordinated by the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism. Oshawa's re-dedication ceremony will take place at Centennial Park at noon on Oct. 9.

"This event commemorates an historic anniversary," said Oshawa Mayor John Gray. "On Oct. 8, 1992, as Canada celebrated its 125th birthday, a plaque was installed and trees were planted at Oshawa's Centennial Park to symbolize Canada's commitment to world peace and environmental protection."

Centennial Park was chosen as "Oshawa's Peace Park" for its idyllic rolling setting that ties together harmony with nature, people and the community. The original dedication included the planting of 12 trees to represent each of Canada's provinces and territories.

The International Institute for Peace Through Tourism's goal is to have 2,010 peace parks circling the earth by 2010 to commemorate the final year of the U.N. Decade of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World.