Las Vegas, USA - A crowd of 1200 gathered on May 9 for a historic ‘Legacy of Peace’ program at the Aria Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, the latest in a series that began at the United Nations in March.
UPF International Chair Dr. Hyung Jin Moon opened the program, offering welcome remarks and an invocation. UPF International President Dr. Thomas Walsh served as Master of Ceremonies. A prayer was offered by Imam Haitham Bundakji, a prominent Muslim leader and Middle East peace advocate from Orange County, California, followed by the blowing of a shofar to signify the presence of God.
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Las Vegas May 9, 2010 (4.6MB)
Rev. Jeong Ok Yoo explained the significance of the Legacy of Peace programs, and Rev. Jesse Edwards and Bishop George Stallings of the American Clergy Leadership Conference offered words of guidance and a reminder that there is a spiritual dimension to our life, and that it is more important than our time on earth.
Led by Taj Hamad, UPF Secretary General, representatives from six continents paid respect to the Legacy of Peace honorees. Dr. Min Ha Kim, Chair of UPF Korea, spoke of the recent tragedy in which 46 young Korean sailors were lost at sea in the sinking of the Cheonan. He called for a moment of silent prayer and respect to honor the fallen and to pray that their sacrifice will help lead to peace.
The Lovin’ Life Band lifted the spirits of everyone with an inspirational performance. Mr. Neal Bush, son of the 41st US President, George H.W. Bush, offered congratulatory remarks. Rev. In Jin Moon, Senior Pastor of the Unification Church of America, challenged the audience to reflect on what kind of legacy they want to leave for posterity. She then introduced her parents, Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Mrs. Hak Ja Han Moon, who were celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary at the Las Vegas event. Two of their daughters, Sun Jin and In Jin, offered gifts of ceremonial robes, and their son Kwon Jin and his wife, Hwa-Yeon Chun, presented floral bouquets.
Expressing appreciation to the participants, who had come from all over the world, Dr. Moon spoke about the importance of interfaith and intercultural marriage as an instrument of peace, and the need for UN renewal and reform. He expressed his hope and conviction of the dawning of a new era of peace in which humanity will be ‘One Family Under God.’ A presentation of ceremonial flags to UPF Ambassadors for Peace encouraged them to continue developing the work of peace.
For more information about Legacy of Peace programs, click here.