Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring July 17, 2026, as Mattie J. T. Stepanek Peace Day in Rockville, Maryland
end
Department
City Clerk/Director of Council Operations Office
Recommendation
Staff recommend Mayor and Council read, approve, and present proclamation to Dr. Jeni Stepanek, The Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation President.
Discussion
Mattie J. T. Stepanek, who was a young poet and peacemaker hero, passed away on June 22, 2004, from a rare form of muscular dystrophy. Mattie's poems of peace and hope have touched millions of lives, and his "Heartsongs" continues to reach out to people of all ages around the world.
Mattie’s family chose to live in Rockville, Maryland, and Mattie loved his neighbors in the King Farm Community and his many friends throughout the City. Shortly after Mattie's death, his friends and neighbors in King Farm established the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation with the mission of spreading Mattie's message of hope and peace. Mattie's Foundation offers educational and recreational programs, activities, and resources that encourage peacemaking and support the understanding of peace for individuals and our world.
In 2014, a congressional resolution was passed to declare July 17 (Mattie’s birthday) as “National Peace Day” to honor Mattie’s life and peace legacy.
Special Event:
Celebrate Mattie’s 36th Birthday on July 11, 2026 (see below under Public Notification and Engagement).
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council proclaim this proclamation annually.
Public Notification and Engagement
Celebrate Mattie’s 36th Birthday on July 11, 2026, and attend the inaugural Cornhole for Peace Tournament to benefit the Mattie Stepanek Peace Foundation, along with a “Toast2Peace on Peace Day” event, and World of Beer in Downtown Rockville. This event will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and include entertainment (music, dance, comedy) and our traditional peace activities - including a 2026 community mosaic!