{picasa}https://picasaweb.google.com/data/feed/base/user/115133686360696146998/albumid/6313941513282459281?alt=rss&kind=photo&hl=en_US{/picasa}
Washington, DC, United States—Fifty-four people attended a UPF program to commemorate the U.S. national holiday Parents’ Day.
The Washington, DC, chapter of UPF held the program in the Founder’s Room at The Washington Times building on Sunday, July 24, 2016.
Among the attendees there were some special guests: H.E. Thelma Patricia Phillip Browne, ambassador of St. Kitts and Neves; Grand Sufi Sahibzada Riaz Sultan, a direct descendant of a great Sufi of Pakistan; and previous Parents’ Day awardees Minister and Mrs. Amar Nath Gupta (2002) and Dr. and Mrs. Zulfiqar Kazmi (2003).
In her welcoming remarks Mrs. Tomiko Duggan, executive director of the UPF Office of Public Affairs, presented the historical background and vision behind Parents’ Day. In recognizing the official support for Parents’ Day 2016 from congressional offices and government officials, she referred to UPF Founder Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon’s frequent upholding of the family ideal as the “school of love” and as a training ground for the character of future generations. “Today is a day to honor our parents and rededicate our commitment to raise children by manifesting the highest standard of unconditional true love, so that children will know they are loved by, nurtured, and protected, and will continue that tradition in creating their own good families,” Mrs. Duggan said.
Mrs. Mabrouka (“Mimi”) Hassanein, a senior fellow and Middle Eastern community liaison in Montgomery County, Maryland, was an energetic, embracing and inspirational keynote speaker. Mrs. Hassanein immigrated to the United States from Egypt 40 years ago and was the first Muslim woman to become a council member in Montgomery County.
She recalled discovering the surprising nuances of American life and culture through volunteering at her children’s schools and supporting the local Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).
Following the keynote speaker there was a ceremonial recognition of new UPF Ambassadors for Peace: Mrs. Mabrouka (“Mimi”) Hassanein, senior fellow and Middle Eastern community liaison for Montgomery County, Maryland; Grand Sufi Sahibzada Riaz Sultan, a direct descendant of a great Sufi of Pakistan; Ms. Mimoza Dajci, president, Peace and Love; and Mrs. Fawzia Etemadi, a member of the Afghanistan High Peace Council and organizer of Sport for Peace in Afghanistan.
Mrs. Nanae Goto performed the songs “You Raise Me Up” and “God Bless America,” after which the program concluded with the recognition that Parents’ Day provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents for their selfless commitment to raising healthy children.
The establishment of Parents’ Day in 1994 resulted from the efforts of a bipartisan, multiracial and interfaith coalition of religious, civic and elected leaders who recognized the need to promote responsible parenting and to uplift parental role models. The celebration in July of Parents’ Day was meant to expand on the celebrations of Mother’s Day in May and Father’s Day in June.
A Congressional Resolution that President Bill Clinton signed into law on October 14, 1994, determined that the fourth Sunday of every July would be a national holiday to honor the crucial role of parents in supporting the life of the nation.
The following officials sent letters of support for Parents’ Day 2016: Sen. Ben Cardin (Democrat of Maryland); Sen. Mark R. Warner (Democrat of Virginia); Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (Democrat of Maryland); Congresswoman Donna Edwards (Democrat of Maryland); Hon. Rushern L. Baker III, the county executive of Prince George’s County in Maryland; Councilmember Brandon T. Todd (Council of the District of Columbia representing Ward 4); Council member Kenyan R. McDuffie (Council of the District of Columbia representing Ward 5).
Thank you for commemorating for Parents’ Day, 2016!
UPF-USA Washington, DC, Office:
www.us.upf.org