Cheongpyeong, Korea - The seventh anniversary of the founding of UPF in Korea was celebrated at a rally at the Cheongshim Peace Center near Cheongpyeong Lake east of Seoul on November 24.
Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, Co-founder of UPF, addressed the assembly, reminding Koreans of their difficult history under Japanese domination and during the Korean War. She mentioned an ancestor on her mother's side who sacrificed for his nation and referred to her husband, who sent the Little Angels Korean Folk Ballet on a tour of the 16 nations that sent troops to aid the South during the Korean War thanking them for their aid.
Honor heaven, live in gratitude, and work for peace, she advised.
The colorful stage of the stadium was draped with banners proclaiming Peace, Victory, and Unification in both Korean and English.
Reviewing the work of UPF-Korea over the past seven years, including the promotion of “Strong Korea,” the “Freedom Society,” and the effort to open the way for dialogue and cooperation between South and North Korea, Dr. Thomas G. Walsh, President of UPF, applauded the efforts of UPF-Korea to encourage improved bilateral relations between Korea and Japan. He expressed hope that they could form the basis for a wider regional association rooted in the vision of Father Moon.
"We are indebted to Dr. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon for their leadership and foresight, their wisdom and courage," he said. "Today we honor UPF-Korea. Its mission has only begun. May it flourish, growing in strength, wisdom, and capacity, for the world needs it."
Other congratulatory messages were delivered by Dr. Min Ha Kim, Chairman of the Ambassadors for Peace Association of Korea; Mr. Jeong Rho Yoon, Chairman of UPF-Korea; and Dr. Joon Ho Seuk, President of the Family Federation for World Peace-Korea.
For the text of the speech by Dr. Walsh, click here.
For photos of the event, click here.