Watch CBS News

Mayor Nutter Asks Philly Residents To Participate In 'Day Of Kindness'

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Mayor Nutter has asked Philadelphians to celebrate the city's birthday by taking part in the inaugural Day of Kindness.

There are several elements behind this kindness initiative, including Philadelphia's 333rd birthday, the Dalai Lama and J Nathan Bazzel, executive director of the Day of Kindness.

"When William Penn founded the city of Philadelphia on Oct. 27th, 1682, he founded it with a mission of kindness. And that's why he chose the name Philadelphia; Philos for love and Adelphus for brother. So the city's meaning is love one another."

To help spread the message, Bazzel's group has hung hundreds of colorful kindness flags in City Hall Courtyard.

"They're made by locals, visitors, children, seniors, prisoners, residents throughout the neighborhoods. So it's everyone's message of kindness to the city."

kind 2
(credit: Paul Kurtz)

The question now is will kindness become contagious.

The flags bare messages of kindnesses from people all over the city. People walking through the courtyard can't miss them and organizers hope the messages will rub off.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.