When some of the best skydivers in the world learned that Kids for Peace was launching the Do It for Peace campaign to inspire people worldwide to take action, they just had to be part of it! On September 27, 34 world-class skydivers with a combined total of 195,000 jumps united and accomplished a peace-sign formation at Skydive Elsinore in California. The sky-high symbol was not only a beautiful sight, it was a dynamic reminder of the power of joining together to create a culture of peace and kindness. Event coordinator Mary Tortomasi said, “I am thrilled we had so many talented skydivers come together for such a worthy expression of hope for the world.”

When Tortomasi attended an event at Skydive Perris in California in memory of her longtime friend, Pat Works, she got the idea to build the formation in his honor. Peggy and Mike Vetter of California drop zone GoJump Oceanside graciously agreed to host the event, but when weather intervened and the event moved to Elsinore, they still provided two aircraft to support the cause. Skydive Elsinore Manager Josh Hall also contributed his talents to get the job done.

Camera flyers Randy Forbes, Norman Kent and Craig O’Brien documented the jump. Kent said, “I’ve filmed thousands of jumps over the years, but this one was extra special because it was an opportunity to represent the skydiving community and to share a message of peace for the entire human race. I am a lucky man.”

“We believe peace becomes a reality through love and action,” said Kids for Peace Executive Director Jill McManigal. “Children of all ages around the world have decided they want to lead a shift from a culture of fear and division to one of love and respect. We are so grateful to the skydiving community for following the lead of our mighty kids!”

Mary Tortomasi    |   D-19869
Menifee, California