Peace Pilgrim

Peace Pilgrim Memorial at the site of her fatal automobile accident

Peace Pilgrim Park in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey

Peace Pilgrim (July 18, 1908 – July 7, 1981) was an American nonviolent activist and spiritual leader. Born Mildred Lisette Norman in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, she became the first woman to walk the entire length of the Appalachian Trail in one season in 1952. However, she is best known for her long-distance walking tours as a form of peace activism. Starting on January 1, 1953, she adopted the name Peace Pilgrim and walked across the United States at least 25 times, advocating for peace.

Early Life

Mildred Lisette Norman was born to a small family in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey. From a young age, she showed a keen interest in nature and spirituality. She graduated from high school and attended business school, after which she held various jobs, including secretary and clerk positions. However, she felt a strong calling towards a life dedicated to service and peace.

Peace Pilgrimage

In 1953, at the age of 44, Norman began her pilgrimage for peace. She vowed to "remain a wanderer until mankind has learned the way of peace, walking until given shelter and fasting until given food." She relinquished her given name and adopted the moniker Peace Pilgrim. Carrying only a few possessions in her blue tunic, which bore the words "Peace Pilgrim" and her message for peace, she embarked on a journey that would last 28 years.

Peace Pilgrim's message was simple yet profound. She advocated for an end to the Korean War, nuclear disarmament, and a general commitment to peace and nonviolent conflict resolution. She believed that peace must first be developed within individuals before it can be manifested in the world. Her approach to life and her pilgrimage was deeply rooted in spiritual practices and principles.

Impact and Legacy

Throughout her life, Peace Pilgrim touched the lives of thousands of individuals. She gave countless talks at churches, universities, and to anyone who would listen, spreading her message of peace and love. Her dedication to her cause brought her national attention, though she always remained humble and focused on her mission rather than seeking personal fame.

After her death in 1981, her followers compiled her writings and speeches into a book titled Peace Pilgrim: Her Life and Work in Her Own Words. The book has been distributed freely to anyone who requests it, continuing her legacy of peace.

Peace Pilgrim's life and work have inspired many individuals and peace movements around the world. She is remembered as a symbol of peace and a testament to the power of individual commitment to a cause.

See Also

• Nonviolent resistance
• Spiritual practice
• Appalachian Trail