How One 95-year-old Queenager Is Changing the World

Original Publish Date: February 2020. See end of story for the latest news on Martha and her beautiful project to change the world.

Martha Blom turned 95 this year. She received dozens of cards and letters from far and wide, some from complete strangers. She is not a celebrity but she has had the chance to hang out with one! Why? Because for the past several years she has been making and giving away a “peace” of jewelry that packs a big message.

Yep, that wasn’t a typo. She is giving away PEACE bracelets—or ‘peacelets’—for short.

She is asking NOTHING in return for this gift except that if someone complements the wearer on their peacelet, the wearer must pass it on and snap a picture to send to Martha.

It started several years ago when Martha saw a similar bracelet at a mall in South Carolina. She started to make a few and gave them to her family. People started noticing the bracelets at the post office, doctor’s appointments and restaurants. Friends commented on them, asking often, “Where did you get that?”

So, Martha started making more and passing them out.

With the help of her three daughters, Kristin Malone, Karen Spoto and Julie Blom, as well as the support of Peter, her husband of almost 72 years, Martha has made and distributed thousands of peacelets which have made their way to many states in the U.S. and dozens of foreign countries, as well as to the wrists of some actual celebrities and VIPs.

Glenn Close accepted and wears one. As does Congressman Sean Casten of Illinois’ 6th congressional district.

But there’s no social media site or any media exposure about this effort by this peace-loving woman.

Instead, Blom’s daughters have compiled five books filled with photos of the people who have given/accepted and wear the peacelets. But there are more photos than can fit. The books are not for sale. They are just a document showing the breadth and reach of Blom’s message for the family to enjoy.

The message is to spread peace, of course.

Peace is something that every person, country and nation in the world could use more of and Blom has found one way to help spread the idea.

If you happen to notice someone’s peacelet, then you have a connection to Martha Blom, a Michigan queenager who is making a difference: spreading peace……one bracelet at a time.

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Editors Note: Martha passed away suddenly in December 2021 after having spent a beautiful weekend visit with her family. Her daughters, along with their dad, are pledging to carry on the peace bracelet tradition Martha began. Here is more information about the life of Martha Blom. Here is a link to the services for Martha.