The inauguration of the Universal Peace Federation in Turkey on November 18 was attended by about 400 participants, seated banquet style in a beautiful hotel ballroom.

Many Turkish Ambassadors for Peace who had attended international conferences were on hand, as well as newer appointees. In addition, there were many Turkish youth.

At the other end of the age spectrum were about a dozen Turkish Korean War Veterans. Turkey was one of the 16 nations that formed the UN Peace Force during the Korean War. Before he started presenting the Peace Message of UPF Founder Dr. Sun Myung Moon, Rev. Chung Hwan Kwak, chair of UPF, acknowledged and embraced the Turkish veterans and expressed his heartfelt appreciation for their sacrifice for Korea.

The event included an invitation for couples to join in a world peace blessing toast of marriage rededication.

Also among the attendees were approximately 50 Iranian volunteers, an enthusiastic and high-spirited group.

To read the inaugural peace message, click here.
To download a report booklet of the UPF Founders' 2005 World Peace Tour, click here.