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June 5, 2025, marks another historic victory celebration of World Environment Day. World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5th, was established in 1972 during the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm—a historic moment when global leaders united to confront ecological degradation. The first celebration took place in 1974, under the theme “Only One Earth,” urging humanity to honor the sanctity of creation.
Today, over 150 nations recognize this occasion, advocating for climate care, clean air and water, and the preservation of biodiversity. As a counselor, teacher, spiritual advisor, and former military commander, I understand that safeguarding the Earth is not optional—it is essential. Our health, our peace, and our hope for tomorrow are intertwined with how we treat our planet today.
Let this day be more than a date on the calendar. Let it be a divine call to action. We are not owners—we are stewards, entrusted with the healing and preservation of God’s creation.
This is a Linking Pin, Spence Style, written for the occasion as follows:
“Creation’s Cry” – A Linking Pin Sonnet for World Environment Day 🌱
by USA Ambassador, Professor Dr. Joseph S. Spence Sr., Spence Style
Creation cries through wind and wave and tree,
Tree roots clutch soil like prayers yearning free.
Free rivers sing, but choked by human hand,
Hand scorched the skies, now breathes a dying land.
Land we were gifted, Eden’s greenest grace,
Grace we forgot, now storms our hearts replace.
Replace the waste with care, the greed with love,
Love heals the earth—our charge from God above.
Above the clouds, the sun still hopes to shine,
Shine through the dark where truth and light align.
Align our steps with nature’s sacred law,
Law etched in bark and bloom we never saw.
Saw we not signs? Wake now, protect and pray—
Pray Earth forgives us this Environment Day.
© USA Goodwill Ambassador, Professor Dr. Joseph S. Spence Sr (June 5, 2025), All rights reserved (Epulaeryu Master).
🌿 Prayer for World Environment Day
Heavenly Creator,
We thank You for the gift of this beautiful Earth—
For the trees that breathe life, the waters that cleanse,
The skies that shelter, and the soil that nourishes.
Forgive us for the harm we’ve done by neglect and greed.
Inspire us to become faithful stewards of Your creation.
Grant us wisdom to restore what is broken,
Courage to protect what is precious,
And compassion to act not just for today,
But for the generations yet to come.
Let our hearts beat in rhythm with the earth You formed,
And may our hands work to heal what You love.
In Your holy name, we pray.
Amen.
Linking Pin Sonnet was invented by Joseph S. Spence Sr. while studying English literature, creative writing, African diaspora, Japanese linguistics, and mythology at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, on January 15, 2007, after studying 21 different sonnet forms. It consists of 14 lines of eight to eleven syllables. The end of each line links with the next. The concept is based on the leadership principle of accomplishing an organization’s task. Strengthening organizational echelons at each level comes by connecting each element with a linking pin leader, thus obtaining maximum productivity in its goal’s completion. One should visualize each linking pin connecting to the next level ensuring strength and safety, moving every adjoining part to reach maximum potential in mission accomplishment. Additionally, one may visualize the linking pin in a bicycle chain. Each pin is secured in place causing the chain to move forward allowing the bike to do the same to get to its destination. Furthermore, the linking pin sonnet resonates with two lovers on the same sheet of music linking together, singing the same song, moving in the same direction, strengthening each other, overcoming obstacles, reaching their goals, and achieving success and victory. This is the practice and significance of “Jumping the Broom” at an African American wedding as a couple.
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