Brandýs, Czech Republic—UPF in the Czech Republic had its third annual Peace Road, drawing participants on bicycles and on foot.
Over 50 people joined the event, traveling a route of either 24 kilometers (almost 15 miles) on bicycles or 7 kilometers (a little over 4 miles) long by foot.
The bicycle route was between the towns of Čelákovice and Brandýs, both of which lie along the Labe River in the Central Bohemian Region.
The official kickoff was at 11:30 a.m. on June 19, 2016, in Čelákovice. After a commemorative photograph was made, Mrs. Martine Masnerová, president of the Czech chapter of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), an affiliated organization, opened the Peace Road.
The route wound through beautiful scenery alongside the Labe River. The beautiful and colorful nature was a lively inspiration for the bikers. Many children were happy to participate together with their parents.
After 3.5 hours the bikers came to their destination in the town of Brandýs: the royal garden near a historic castle which commemorates the rule of the Habsburg family in Europe. Not far from the castle there is another historic place which is a national pilgrimage site – the place where the first Czech saint and king, Saint Wenceslaus, was assassinated by his brother in the 10th century.
Light refreshments awaited the participants when they arrived at their destination. Afterward Dr. Juraj Lajda, UPF secretary general in the Czech Republic, gave a talk reminding the participants of the true meaning, purpose and significance of the Peace Road.
“The Peace Road is not an ordinary tour or some sports activity,” Dr. Lajda said. “It has an important content and deep meaning, and it carries a special message – a message for creating a peaceful world. This year we want to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Seonghwa [ascension] of the Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, who was a great patriot and fighter for world peace. He dedicated his whole life to creating a peaceful world and especially to bring the reunification of the Korean Peninsula.”
After the speech three white doves were released to the blue sky as a symbol of peace, freedom and wishing for the peaceful reunification of North and South Korea. The official program concluded with the singing of two Korean songs. Through this event the participants connected and contributed to the fulfillment of Rev. Dr. Moon’s legacy for peaceful reunification of North and South Korea and promoting peace in the world.
The Peace Road 2016 in the Czech Republic was organized by Universal Peace Federation and Family Federation for World Peace and Unification. One member of the Czech Parliament who participated in the Peace Road 2016 launching in Korea in February at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was informed about this event.
All the participants said they want to come next year and join the Peace Road 2017 together with their guests, friends and other participants.