[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCll3-TGtDA&w=560&h=315]

Did you get your free hug this week? Four women lit up Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis on International Day of Peace, September 21, 2011 with, “Hugs For Peace,” or high fives for those who preferred less bodily contact.

Noon-time walkers on the Nicollet Mall are accustomed to being accosted with flyers, petitions, requests for interviews and other disruptions. These interruptions often produce sober rejections or glancing the other way.

Video by Bill Sorem

However, the “Peace Huggers” got smiles, laughter and joyful faces.

It was all from one womanapos;s idea. Grace Morgan from Minneapolis got the idea, posted on Facebook and 3 other women showed up to hug. The recipients reactions were most appropriate for Peace Day